Hull FC travel to Belle Vue on Friday night to take on Wakefield Trinity in the final game of the season.

Here's our preview of the clash.

Go out on a high

After eight defeats in their last nine games, it’s fair to say FC travel to Belle Vue without much confidence.

They were visibly short of it against Wigan Warriors last time out and after such a poor run, it is perhaps understandable that they would lack the belief needed to open up the Warriors.

However, Brett Hodgson’s side have one more game remaining to provide the injection of positivity that the club and the squad so desperately need.

Of course, in terms of the competition, there’s little riding on their trip to Wakefield, with the Black and Whites already guaranteed eighth place in the league table. There’s no play-off place to compete for and they won’t be moving up or down despite the result.

However, it wouldn’t be right to say the result is meaningless, with FC desperate to send out the right message as they enter the off-season.

They will be determined to give the fans something to smile about before the end of the season and a win would give them something to cling to over the off-season.

A poor result at Wakefield would only serve to increase supporter frustrations.

Of course, the pressure is on after a disappointing campaign, but going into the off-season on a high could be beneficial.

Attacking improvements

Hodgson was happy with his side’s effort last time out but he’ll be expecting improvements this time around in a number of key areas.

Right at the top of his list of priorities will be taking strides forward in attack after failing to even trouble the scoreboard against the Warriors.

Andre Savelio of Hull FC tries to break through the Wigan line
Andre Savelio of Hull FC tries to break through the Wigan line

The Black and Whites saw enough possession in the game but simply failed to find a way of breaking Wigan down and it made it a tough watch at times.

With the pressure off, Hodgson will hope to see his side play a more free-flowing attacking game, led by Jake Connor, who will be the senior half-back in the side.

Marc Sneyd will be missing with a shoulder injury, meaning there will be changes in the spine, but Hull still travel with a squad capable of troubling Wakefield.

Youth an option

When asked whether he would be tempted to experiment with his side at Belle Vue, Hodgson was quick to point out that in his mind this game is not a dead rubber.

However, while he didn’t give a name, he did reveal that at least one of the academy players named in the squad would be involved against Willie Poching’s side.

Of course, Aidan Burrell and Marcus Walker have picked up first-team minutes previously, but Jude Ferreira and Jacob Hookem are still waiting to make debuts and will be itching to test themselves in the Super League for the first time.

Ben McNamara is included and with Sneyd missing, he could be the man to step into the fold. The youngster has struggled for confidence of late, but a strong display in West Yorkshire could be just the tonic.

Captaincy question

With all three of Hull’s co-captains on the sidelines through injury, Hodgson has been forced to pick a new skipper this week.

There are senior faces in the side and plenty of candidates who will fancy their chances of taking on the responsibility for one game only.

However, Manu Ma'u is expected to be the man leading the side out at Belle Vue, with his experience and leadership qualities being recognised by the head coach.