This Saturday afternoon, Hull FC takes on Warrington Wolves in the Super League in an attempt to bounce back from their Challenge Cup loss to Hull KR. However, with two further injuries sustained during the derby, they now face a back row issue. Here is the most recent notebook.
The last thing Hull FC needed was two more injuries to their back row, but that’s exactly what they were served up against Hull KR on Saturday. Already without Jed Cartwright (hamstring), Oliver Holmes (knee), and Brad Fash (calf), Hull lost Jordan Lane to a broken arm before Ed Chamberlain limped off with a knee injury.
And while Lane will be ruled out for several weeks, the club are hoping for positive scan results on Chamberlain and Fash. However, if they are ruled out for the foreseeable future, they’ll be very thin in the position, with John Cartwright – given that there is some salary cap space to work with – not ruling out further recruitment should the right opportunity present itself.
“It’s something we’re going to have to look at, but the stocks are really low,” Cartwright said post-match. “Hopefully, Ed Chamberlain will be okay.”
In the meantime, Jack Ashworth is an option, having deputised there on Saturday, with young duo Will Kirby and Zach Jebson also in the squad. Lennon Clark too is in the first-team picture this year as the youngest option.
With Jordan Lane and Ed Chamberlain picking up knocks, Hull will be hoping for some respite elsewhere ahead of the Warrington fixture. Cade Cust should be available once again pending the completion of his return-to-play checks after a failed HIA. He offers a spine option for John Cartwright’s side in two different positions—half-back and hooker—and could end up spelling Amir Bourouh in the latter role.
Elsewhere, Liam Watts could be pushing to return after a recent calf issue, while Denive Balmforth and Harvey Barron shouldn’t be too far away as they continue recoveries from hamstring injuries. An update on both will come later this week. Hull also remain without Ligi Sao (knee), Jed Cartwright (hamstring), Oliver Holmes (knee), Brad Fash (calf), Ryan Westerman (ankle), and Roma
Herman Ese’ese try run
Hull FC’s in-form prop Herman Ese’ese scored for the fifth successive game over the weekend. Taking John Asiata’s pass, the front rower had too much power to charge his way to the line, adding to scores against Castleford, Wakefield, Wigan, and Leigh.
He’s now just three games away from equalling Mick Crane’s club record for try-scoring games for a forward. The late loose-forward managed eight in a row during an illustrious playing spell. Hull’s next three games are against Warrington, Hull KR, and Wigan.
Hull FC’s academy side made it back-to-back wins to start their season with a 42-18 victory at Leigh Leopards. The Black and Whites had too much for the Leythers to handle, scoring eight tries in total. A brace came for Preston Ward, with Josh Horne, Finley Wilson, Callum Smith, Finlay Davies, Rhys Yorke, and Alfie Baxter all crossing over. Callum Kemp, back from a recent ankle injury, kicked five goals.
The win followed on from a 38-20 victory at Wakefield last month, with the academy next in action against Hull KR on Saturday 19 April.
Scholarship win
Hull FC’s scholarship side recorded a 38-20 victory over Warrington Wolves on Wednesday night. The young Black and Whites led 16-4 at half-time and extended that lead in the second half, with Caleb Paleaaesina, son of former Hull forward Feka Paleaaesina, scoring two tries. Elsewhere, Cam Windley, Trent Turner, Kadus Boateng, James Tann, and Owen Bartle all got over the line.
