Castleford Tigers head coach Danny McGuire has revealed a calf injury for former Hull FC full-back Tex Hoy. McGuire has confirmed that the Australian, who joined the Fords from the Black and Whites in April last year, will be out for ‘a few’ weeks.
The two sides meet at the MKM Stadium this Friday night, with Hull hoping to do the double over Castleford after March’s 24-14 victory at Wheldon Road. Meanwhile, Castleford have a few options to fill the full-back void left by Hoy, with McGuire revealing a frontrunner for the role amid two other options.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, McGuire said: “Tex picked up a calf injury in training last week and is going to be missing for a few weeks. Worst case, it’ll probably be three or four.
“It’s not a really serious one, but it’s disappointing because he’s been really consistent and was building in confidence and maturity. But as always, when you get injuries, you have to adapt, and somebody else will get an opportunity this week.
“We’ve got a few players who can slide in there. Chris Atkin, Zac Cini, and Innes Senior can all play there. It’s not their preferred position, but they’re adaptable, and they are able to do it pretty comfortably. The frontrunner is probably Zac at the minute. He’s been training there for the majority of the week – but we’ll see how it plays out.”
Hull will come into the clash without their preferred full-back Will Pryce. The mid-season recruit has a hamstring injury and will be out for around 8-10 weeks. That will see Jordan Rapana step in after playing the majority of the season in the centre position.
The Black and Whites are also missing the likes of John Asiata, Jed Cartwright, Jordan Lane, and Liam Watts. Asked by Hull Live if that situation means Castleford, who have improved in recent weeks with three wins to their name, can get at John Cartwright’s side, McGuire said: “They are two very good players and ones you look out for on the team sheet as a coach, as well as a few others, if I’m being honest.
“But I think our challenge is not to look too deep into that and expect it to be easy, as it’s not going to be easy. I feel as a team and as a club, we’re not in a position to do that anyway. We need to work hard and earn our opportunities and earn our performances. Don’t get me wrong, they’re very good players, but I still believe Hull have got enough threats and players to make up for that.
“I’m not going to sit here and tell you it wouldn’t be harder with those two; it would be without a doubt, but I still feel like it’s a big challenge for us anyway. We’ve prepared for the best Hull FC team, and we’re ready for whatever they’re going to throw at us. They’ve got some great players, experienced players, who have been around the game for a long time. Our challenge is to go there and play well on Friday. That’s what we’ve set ourselves a target of doing.”
On Hull’s season, McGuire continued: “They’ve been really good. I’m impressed. The signings that they’ve made, they’ve all added something, and they’ve all got experience. There were some question marks around their recruitment with some of their ages – Zak Hardaker and the older players – but they’ve been up there with their better performers.
“I think mixing that in with some of the young exciting players they’ve got – I’m a big fan of Davy Litten; I think he’s potentially going to be a superstar. They’ve got a good mix, and again, it’s going to be a good challenge for us.”
Castleford won 39-20 at the MKM Stadium last season and will be looking for the same again on what is Hull’s return to their home ground after a run on the road. A big crowd is expected as part of the club’s ‘Hull and Proud’ week, with McGuire expecting another entertaining clash between two sides who ‘like to throw the ball about’.
McGuire added: “I always loved playing there – it’s always a great atmosphere, and it’s probably the best stadium to play at, facilities-wise. You always get decent, open-flowing games there. Our intention is to play with the ball and throw it about.
“I know watching Hull a lot this year that they are the same. It’s a Friday night, good weather, and it should be a great occasion for everyone to get behind, and hopefully, from my point of view, we can play well. We’re looking forward to it.”