The latest Hull FC team news from Andy Last.
Hull FC back rower Joe Batchelor.(Image: SW PIX)
Andy Last has confirmed that Hull FC back rower Joe Batchelor will return to the side against Toulouse Olympique this Sunday afternoon.
Batchelor has missed the last two games with a back injury picked up in the Good Friday derby at Hull KR. However, the 31-year-old has got through training this week and is now set to return off the bench against the French side at the MKM Stadium, with Connor Bailey keeping his starting spot.
The back-row forward is one of two boosts for Last, who will also welcome back Matty Laidlaw into the fray. The young prop failed a fitness test ahead of last week’s victory at Castleford Tigers but is now cleared to play and in contention to come back into the side.
“Batch will be back,” Last said. “He hasn’t got the plaudits he deserves. In and around the training environment, in the gym, how professional he is and the way he speaks to the group, even when he’s not playing, have been superb.
“We knew that when we signed him. He’s come from a great system at St Helens and he more than held his own in that all-conquering side.
“He’s brought an intensity and a professionalism to our environment. The younger guys certainly look up to him and it will be great to have him back in the side and playing again.
“Matty will also be available for selection. He has contributed to us this season. He’s very much a team player and a squad man. He’s competitive and wholehearted and a player that comes into consideration. We’ll finalise the team at captain’s run on Saturday and we’ll make sure we get the balance right.”
On the injury front, Last has confirmed that Ligi Sao will miss the Toulouse clash due to a failed HIA last week, with the prop needing to pass his return-to-play protocols in order to feature at Bradford Bulls on May 17.
“Unfortunately, Ligi has suffered some symptoms on the back of his return-to-play,” Last confirmed. “We’ve got to stand him down for two more days. He should be available for selection against Bradford but with head knocks, you’ve got to be mindful of the symptoms. We’ve just got to go through the process.”
Last also confirmed that Leeds Rhinos loan pair Harry Newman and Jeremiah Mata’utia will feature for Hull again.
“Harry and Jerry will both play,” Last said. “Harry has done a great job for us in the right centre position and Jerry has done a great job off the bench for us. They’ll both be in the 17.
“Harry is really enjoying his time here. I’ve got a relationship with Harry from working with him in the England programme. When he became available, I was keen to get him on board. I think he’s benefited from a change of scenery, a different voice, and a different club.”
And on possible loan extensions following the Challenge Cup break, Last added: “We’re very grateful and respectful to Leeds for giving us two quality players like they have. Leeds will benefit from it, too. Harry at his best probably gets in their team and we’re working with Harry to try and get his form better.
“We’re hoping that relationship continues but they are Leeds players first and foremost, and they’re getting a benefit from us. We’re just taking it week by week at the moment.
“Leeds’ priority is them and they’ll assess them every Monday morning and the health and form of their squad and then make their decisions on the back of that. We’re happy with the relationship at the moment. It’s worked well for us in the short term. As for long-term, that’s something we’ll assess as and when it comes.”