FORMER Hull FC favourites Jamie Thackray, Gareth Raynor and Tommy Lee have been named in the Crusaders squad to take on their former club at the Racecourse Ground this Sunday (kick-off 3pm).
Confidence is high in the Crusaders camp after last Friday's 16-36 victory over Salford and Head Coach Brian Noble makes one change to the squad that triumphed at the Willows.
Hooker Tommy Lee has recovered from injury and replaces Anthony Blackwood in the squad.
Crusaders winger Gareth Raynor can't wait to face his old club on Sunday.
"It's exciting," he said. "It'll be very emotional when I walk out, as I spent ten years there and I'm looking forward to the challenge. In fact, speaking to you now is just giving me goosepimples on the back of my neck.
"I'm that excited about the game, but I've got to hold those emotions in and play a professional game when I want out onto the field.
"All 19 players will all be looking to get one over me and the Crusaders," he admits.
"I'm best mates with their centre Kirk Yeaman and I think that'll be a great battle between the two of us. I still speak to him on a regular basis and he's looking forward to the game on Sunday almost as much as I am."
Hull FC have made a blistering start to the season, beating St Helens in their opening match before a hard fought 14-6 victory over last year's Challenge Cup finalists Huddersfield Giants.
New skipper Sean Long makes the 19 man squad, as do fellow new signings Mark O'Meley and Craig Fitzgibbon. Danny Tickle is rested after picking up a groin injury against Huddersfield, so in comes Mike Burnett for his first chance to impress in Super League this season.
Crusaders 19 man Squad: Elliot Kear, Nick Youngquest, Luke Dyer, Vince Mellars, Gareth Raynor, Peter Lupton, Michael Witt, Ryan O'Hara, Lincoln Withers, Mark Bryant, Jason Chan, Frank Winternstein, Rocky Trimarchi, Weller Hauraki, Adam Peek, Jamie Thackray, Ben Flower, Tommy Lee, Lloyd White.
Hull FC 19 man Squad: Jordon Tansey, Craig Hall, Richard Whiting, Kirk Yeaman, Tom Briscoe, Richard Horne, Sean Long, Mark O'Meley, Shaun Berrigan, Lee Radford, Willie Manu, Craig Fitzgibbon, Ewan Dowes, Peter Cusack, Epalahame Lauaki, Danny Houghton, Danny Washbrook, Mike Burnett, Jordan Turner.
Crusaders RL
