Ligi Sao has returned to the Hull FC training field, with the prop forward making good progress after suffering a serious knee injury back in February.
In fact, assistant coach Andy Last hasn’t ruled out the 31-year-old being available for selection later this year, albeit there would have to be some ‘political things’ to go through in order for him to actually play in Super League.
The club got dispensation on the quota to sign Liam Knight after Sao’s injury, with Last conceding that there would be an issue to sort with the RFL if the player does get to the stage where he’s ready to play – albeit the reserves could be an option with the club seemingly keen on getting him running out in the black and white again.
But at the least, Sao, who was ruled out for the entire season after learning the fate of his injury, has rehabbed well and is now back running and in training. He is in good spirits, with Last stating that his conduct and professionalism are a shining light of the culture improvements seen at Hull this year.
“He’s progressing really well,” Last told Hull Live. “He’s out on the field and is out running again. It’s great to see him back on the field and in and around the boys.
“I think he’s had six sessions on the field now. He’s not getting involved in too much of the skill stuff and changes of direction, but just the fact he’s in and around the boys and sharing the same training pitch is great for his mental state. He’s done a really good job.
“He’s been really professional and really diligent. He’s also been superb with Roman Dawson (out for the season with an ACL injury) and those guys who have filtered in and out of the rehab group.
“I’m hoping that he might be available for selection for a game towards the end of the season, but we’ll have to see how that goes. That’s something we’ll have to go through from a political point of view, but he’s still training hard and rehabbing well.”
Sao is out of contract at the end of the season, with the club only having one quota spot available. However, they have held talks with Brisbane half-back Jock Madden to try and fill that final spot – a story confirmed by head coach John Cartwright.
“I don’t know with regards to Ligi,” Last said on Sao’s future. “He’s not contracted for next season, and he’s still in the injured crew. He’s just ticking along and doing his rehab.”
And on Sao’s cultural impact, Last added: “The signings Carty has made, they’re key blokes who keep everyone’s feet on the ground and drive high standards. Aidan Sezer as captain has been sensational for setting standards on the training ground; Liam Knight has been very, very good, and a couple of guys who have been here a while, Brad Fash and Ligi.
“Ligi has not played barring one game, but for us, in terms of culture, what Ligi has done for our injured boys has been sensational. He’s taken Roman under his wing and been really good on his rehab and helped him get through a difficult time.
“I think that sort of stuff deserves to be applauded. That’s away from the limelight of performance and away from the limelight of supporters and wins and losses. There’s a strong culture being built here.
“Sometimes that word culture is a bit of a cliche, but we have got good connection, and we do highlight those things we’ve just touched on. It’s been pleasing to be around, and hopefully that will bring sustainable success to the club in the future.”