Hull FC are trying to ‘do their homework’ before committing to a new signing, with an injury update also given.
Hull FC head coach John Cartwright.(Image: SW PIX)
John Cartwright has confirmed that Hull FC don’t have a new signing lined up to arrive in time for next week’s Challenge Cup as it stands. However, the head coach has conceded that the club might look at a new full-back to fill the void left by Will Pryce’s season-ending ACL injury.
The club are expected to be granted salary cap dispensation for Pryce, allowing them to put the player’s salary back into their live cap. They also have more cap to utilise after Liam Knight was released on compassionate grounds last week.
Both situations give Hull scope to recruit, and it’s generally thought that there’s enough cap space to bring in more than one signing. But the message is the same, and Hull are keen to ensure they do their ‘homework’ before committing to any new signing.
“Not at the moment,” Cartwright replied when asked if any new players are set to come in next week. “It’s a really difficult time of the year to recruit and the last thing you want to do is to make a signing where you haven’t done all your homework and seen what’s exactly available.
“Will is going to be here next year but do we need to fill that void for the rest of the season? I’d say we probably do depth wise but it’s time to do our homework and then come up with a plan on where we need some players.”
Hull could also dip into the forward market given Knight’s exit and now a long-term injury for Jed Cartwright after scan results revealed some bad news. The back rower has suffered another significant hamstring blow and while the head coach stopped short of giving an exact timeframe, he did confirm it’s going to be a long one, potentially opening the door for recruitment.
“He’s got a bad hamstring tear,” Cartwright confirmed. “It’s a bit early to say exactly how long it will be, but it’ll be long term. We’ll talk to the physios properly and get a bit of a roundabout date, but it’s going to be hard work again for him to get it right and keep his fitness. It’s a tough one.”
Cartwright also confirmed that Harvey Barron will be out for the next month with an ankle injury. “He’ll be four to five weeks,” Cartwright said. “It’s just an ankle strain.”
The head coach also stated no fresh injuries were picked up at Wakefield on Thursday night, with Amir Bourouh and Cade Cust passing their HIAs.
“We got a couple of head knocks, but I think we got the all clear on them,” Cartwright added. “Touch wood, we’ve come through.”