Hull FC are set to welcome back at least two players to the fold ahead of Saturday’s Super League game against Huddersfield Giants, with loan prop Sam Eseh eligible to play again after missing last week’s clash against his parent club and Amir Bourouh returning to action after passing the sport’s mandatory 11-day stand-down period after a head injury.
There could be a third player back in Ed Chamberlain. However, the 28-year-old has to be passed by a head specialist first after failing another HIA against Wakefield Trinity earlier this month.
That means that John Cartwright could change his side for the visit of the Giants, with the side looking to back up last weekend’s win at Wigan Warriors – a victory they achieved without the aforementioned three players, plus Will Pryce, John Asiata, Jordan Lane, Liam Watts, and Ligi Sao.
But while changes are set to come, Cartwright admitted it will be hard to leave out the likes of Matty Laidlaw and Will Hutchinson, with the young duo coming into the side and playing their part: Laidlaw for the fifth time this year and Hutchinson the fourth.
The Hull-born players drew praise from Hull’s head coach, with Laidlaw robust when coming on and Hutchinson keeping things simple but effective from dummy-half.
“We had nine to ten guys out who would normally be pushing for a place,” Catwright said post-match. “It will be hard (to make changes), but I’d much rather have that problem. It’s just really nice to know that the guys who came in can do a fantastic job.
“I’m really happy for those boys. They are local boys who have come through our academy, and they work really hard. They struggle to get games because of the makeup of the reserves competition, but when you tap them on the shoulder and tell them they’re in this week, just the smile on their face makes it all worthwhile.
“They’re good enough, too. Will hasn’t played for a while at this level, but at reserve grade he plays 80 minutes every time, and he’s just looking for games; he’s looking for training, and Matty Laidlaw – he goes back and does the hard work at Doncaster, and when he gets the opportunity here, every time, he’s come on and he’s lapped it up.”
Hull are currently sat in eighth spot in Super League with eight rounds to go. They are hoping to welcome back the likes of Asiata and Pryce for the Salford game next month, with a week off coming after Saturday’s game.