Dykes And Byrne To Play At Dewsbury Options

DYKES AND BYRNE TO PLAY AT DEWSBURY

04 Jan 2008
COACH Peter Sharp will give two of his new signings a run out in Sunday’s opening pre-season trial game against Dewsbury Rams at the Tetley’s Stadium (3pm).

Australian duo, utility back Todd Byrne and scrum half Adam Dykes will don the black and white jersey for the first time but Hull’s two other newcomers, Shaun Berrigan and Peter Cusack won’t play.

Byrne and Dykes have both been included in Sharp’s 20-man squad which sees the Hull boss mix and match his players with a blend of youth and experience.
Academy youngsters Tom Briscoe, Ashley Thackeray, Ryan Steen and Josh Hodgson are all included and have been handed a chance to impress.
“The young kids have been ripping into pre-season and they have all earned their chance to play,” said Sharp.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to gain some experience and learn from the more senior players in the squad.

“Times like these can be invaluable in a young player’s development and it is here where they can show their future potential.”

Sharp also made it clear that it was also a big opportunity for the more senior players to stake their claims for a place in his 17 to face Warrington in their opening Super League game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on February 8th.

“Nothing is for certain, places have to be earned, and these games and training is all about impressing and we will have a number of players on view against Dewsbury who can put down an early marker.

“This game is all about getting back into playing again, stepping out the gym and the practice area and into a game environment.

“It is a test of where we are a chance to see how our progress is going and I am sure Dewsbury will want to make it as hard and difficult as possible.

“They will be looking to see how far they have come and of course, playing against us will give them an incentive to lift their performance.

“Dewsbury have recruited in the off season and their new players will certainly be looking to impress. It should be a good work out for us.”
Only two players from Hull squad have been ruled out through injury. Second row Willie Manu has a foot injury and Graeme Horne a pectoral injury.
Sharp is putting out a more than competitive squad with 12 having had Super League experience in addition to Australian pair Dykes and Byrne who has plenty of experience in the NRL.

Hull FC squad: Motu Tony, Todd Byrne, Craig Hall, Tom Briscoe, Ashley Thackeray, Danny Washbrook, Tommy Lee, Ewan Dowes, Danny Houghton, Scott Wheeldon, Matty Dale, Mike Burnett, Richard Whiting, Lee Radford, Paul King, Nathan Freer, Ryan Steen, Josh Hodgson, Adam Dykes, Danny Tickle.

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