4th Round
Rochdale Hornets 5 l. Hull FC 42

2008 Challenge Cup Index [Draw] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: Challenge Cup

Dykes cleared for Challenge Cup tie against Rochdale
Sat April 19, 2008
Source: www.hullfc.com

Australian half back Adam Dykes has given Hull FC a late boost ahead of their Challenge Cup fourth round tie against National League One Rochdale Hornets at Spotland on Sunday (3pm).

The 31-year-old will end his three match injury absence with a neck injury and virus against the Hornets and coach Peter Sharp said: "It's good to have Adam back as he will give us more options and variation to our game.

"It will also allow us to build up some combinations between him, Shaun Berrigan and Danny Washbrook which is going to be important for us in the weeks to come."

Dykes hasn't played since Hull lost 30-4 at the KC Stadium on Easter Monday to Super League and World Club champions Leeds Rhinos.

In his absence, Berrigan has switched from hooker to half back and has done an excellent job but for Sunday's game the former Australian Test star can go back to his more accustomed position at hooker.

Although Hull has Dykes back they will be without Kiwi full-back Motu Tony and prop Ewan Dowes who have joined Hull's casualty list and are not being risked.

Tony has been carrying a chest knock and Dowes aggravated his knee injury last weekend and both are being given a week's break to recoup before Hull's clash with Huddersfield Giants on Sunday week.

"With the injuries we already have it makes sense not to risk anyone else but I expect both to be available for the Huddersfield game," Sharp said.

It is likely Todd Byrne will switch to full back and that will leave the way open for teenager Tom Briscoe to make his fourth appearance of the season. Briscoe has already played three Super League games and has been included in Hull's squad.

Looking ahead to Rochdale
Peter Sharp is by no means underestimating the Hornets and said: "We will give Rochdale every respect.

"The pressure is off them; they can go out and enjoy themselves because they have nothing to lose.

"In these circumstances teams often play way above themselves and we are preparing for exactly that.

"I am sure their coach Bobbie Goulding will be telling his players the pressure is on us and he'll be looking for his side to come out and throw the kitchen sink at us in the opening 20.

"We have to be ready for that and we have to be prepared to play hard, just as if it is a Super League game, to get the result. Nothing is given, this cup-tie won't be.

"After beating Castleford last weekend we have a great opportunity to not only progress in the cup but also get back to back wins, something we haven't done so far this season.

"It is also an opportunity to build up some partnerships, especially between Adam Dykes, who is back from injury, Shaun Berrigan and Danny Washbrook. They have not played together often this season; this is a big chance for them to get some understandings going."

Record against Rochdale
It is almost 12 years since the two teams' last meet and that was a high scoring classic at Spotland.

Hull and Rochdale last met on August 4th, 1996 in a game which produced an incredible 98 points with Hull coming out on top 58-40.

The Challenge Cup has seen a couple of surprises by Rochdale, especially in 1922 and 1958 when they beat Hull.

In 1992 at Headingley, Rochdale edged Hull out 10-9 in the final to win the cup and then in 1958 they produced a major shock at the Boulevard by winning 16-13.

This will be the 11th Cup meeting between the clubs and Hull has won six with one draw.

Four games have been played in Rochdale with two wins for Hull and a draw.

Hull FC Squad
Berrigan, Briscoe, Burnett, Byrne, Cusack, Dykes, Freer, Hall, Houghton, Lee, Manu, Radford, Raynor, Tickle, Thackray, Washbrook, Wheeldon, Yeaman

News sent by: www.hullfc.com

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