Injury-hit Hull turn to youth ahead of Wigan showdown

Hull FC's growing injury list looks set to force head coach Lee Radford to blood more youngsters in Friday's Super 8s showdown against Wigan.

With 12 players now missing following Sunday's clash with Warrington, Radford is staying positive insisting the predicament affords him the opportunity of checking out the club's rising stars.

Richard Whiting, Joe Westerman, Steve Michaels and Josh Bowden have all been added to Hull's extensive injury list following the 46-16 loss at Warrington, with the latter three likely to be out for the remainder of the season.

They join captain Gareth Ellis, Leon Pryce, Fetuli Talanoa, Setaimata Sa, Kirk Yeaman, Chris Green, Jordan Thompson and Callum Lancaster on the sidelines.

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Liam Watts, a stand-out performer for Hull this season, is also a doubt for Friday night's match at Wigan, but is pushing hard to feature to help lead an inexperienced side at the DW Stadium.

"It gives us a great opportunity to give some more of our academy players a proper chance in the first-team," said Radford, who has already handed debuts to Jack Downs, Jansin Turgut and Brad Fash this season.

"It is obviously a massive blow to have so many first-team players missing but we will still look to put up as strong a side as possible against Wigan.

It is what it is and we have to take it on the chin. We cannot sulk and feel sorry for ourselves.

"It is what it is and we have to take it on the chin. We cannot sulk and feel sorry for ourselves. Many of the young players have done well for the U19s and this is now their chance to show what they can do."

Hull may hand another debut to U19s player Masimbashe Matongo who has impressed for the academy this season, while fellow-youngsters Jack Logan and Curtis Naughton will also continue to deputise.

Vice-captain Danny Houghton will continue to lead the side, assisted by fellow first-team regulars Jamie Shaul, Mickey Paea and Feka Palea'aesina.