Hull FC could see a 2026 first at Wakefield – and a welcome one at that.
Hull FC loose-forward John Asiata.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC could see loose-forward duo John Asiata and James Bell play together for the first time at Wakefield Trinity on Thursday night.
Asiata made his first appearance of the season against York last week, with Bell – who has trained for the last two weeks following a pre-season knee injury – in contention to debut this week.
Not pushing either player, Hull had a plan to use Asiata against the Knights, with the club’s vice captain playing the final 30 minutes of the game – controlling Hull’s shape and adding some direction to their play.
And head coach John Cartwright has now confirmed those minutes will be managed again as Asiata gets into full flow following a significant hamstring injury – with Bell, along with Ligi Sao, who returns from a two-match suspension, hoping to give the side some respite in the middle of the field.
“We had a plan that we used to play Johnny for the final 30 minutes,” Cartwright told Hull Live. “He got warmed up properly and then he got onto the field so there was no half-time period or break for him coming on as a replacement.
“That was the first test and he got through the 30 minutes. We’ve still got to make sure we look after him and make sure that we don’t overuse him in the early stages of coming back.
“We need to follow what the medical people advise until he’s 100% ready to go. Everyone is always nervous about soft tissue injuries. He got through his first test and we’ll make sure we look after him again this week.”
As for Asiata interchanging or playing with Bell, Cartwright continued: “I liked what I saw from Belly early in the year (at pre-season training). He’s been back on the field now for a couple of weeks.
“He’s not the biggest guy in the world or the fastest guy in the world, but he’s a natural footballer and he’s very aggressive. I think he’s going to help the team.”
Cartwright also praised Jake Arthur following his Super League debut last week – one played in tough circumstances as Hull lost Aidan Sezer with an eye issue – and is anticipating the half-back to be better as combinations with Asiata, Bell and co get more natural with experience.
“I thought he did really well,” Cartwright said. “It was his first real hit out with the team and his role changed when Aidan went off. He had to play more first receiver and I thought he adapted well.
“He had to take control of all of the kicking and a lot of the calling. For his first game, and with a new full-back (Davy litten) and a new pivot with him in Cade (Cust), he did a really good job.
“But it’s the only way it does get better – spending that time together on the field and in the course of a real game. Training assists you but it’s not the real thing so the more time they can spend together in the 80 minutes is critical.”
Hull are also set to welcome Tom Briscoe back into the fold following injuries for Harvey Barron and Jed Cartwright.
“He’s a chance, Tommy,” Cartwright added. “He’s taken it in his stride (not playing the first three weeks). I had this conversation with him when he re-signed. He knows we’ve got two very, very good young wingers who are only going to get better by playing.
“They’ve had a tough start to the year; sides are aiming up on them, but that’s what Tommy is there for. Tommy will get his chance.”