Horne's return set to relieve pressure on Hull

Hull hope to have Richard Horne back in their side to face Wakefield today.

The international half-back has been out of action since early in the season with a knee injury, but has come safely through two training sessions this week.

With Sean Long ruled out indefinitely and the Humberside derby against Hull KR looming on Thursday, Horne's return would be timely in the extreme.

Also in the frame for a return after a lengthy absence is the winger Mark Calderwood. He has come through 80 minutes in the Under-20 side after recovering from a torn hamstring.

The Hull coach, Richard Agar, has had less luck with his pack as his side tries to keep in touch with Super League's top four. Mark O'Meley is still getting over a calf tear and Sam Moa is not being risked with a less severe version of the same injury.

It is the likely return of Horne, however, that could galvanise Hull during the climactic weeks of the regular season.

"The sooner we get Rich back in the fold the better for us,'' Agar said. "If we can alleviate the pressure on the likes of Danny Houghton, Richard Whiting and Danny Washbook and get a natural half-back in there, it's going to be good for our side.''

Inconsistent Wakefield, thrashed by Hull KR last weekend, are also below optimum strength, with Sam Obst and Danny Kirmond on the sidelines. Two former Hull players, Paul Cooke and King, are in line to play.

In tomorrow's games, Warrington recall their captain, Adrian Morley, after resting him for the trip to Crusaders last week, for the visit of in-form Castleford. Jon Clarke returns for the Wolves in place of the injured Mickey Higham.

Castleford's four victories in their last four games have elevated them to eighth place in the play-off zone.

For tomorrow's foray to the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Terry Matterson is able to add Stuart Jones and Liam Higgins to the 17 who won at Huddersfield. Jones was ruled out of that game by a late bout of illness, while Higgins was nursing a leg injury.

Huddersfield try to pull out of their recent slump at home to Crusaders. They have Eorl Crabtree back in their pack, in place of groin injury victim Keith Mason, with Stephen Wild and Jermaine McGilvray also included.