Hull FC have been dealt a fresh injury blow to James Bell. He is one of five changes to the 21-man squad.
Hull FC forward James Bell has suffered another knee injury. (Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC loose forward James Bell has suffered another knee injury and will be out of action for four to six weeks.
The Kiwi has injured his meniscus in training this week. It is his second blow of the season after first injuring his knee back in December, with the forward out for a month at least and potentially until the end of June.
Elsewhere, Matty Laidlaw also suffered a concussion in last Sunday’s reserves fixture at Wigan Warriors. He will now go through the necessary return-to-play protocols.
Hull have also confirmed a lengthier return prognosis for Connor Bailey, who has had surgery after breaking his collarbone against Toulouse Olympique. He is expected to be out for several months.
The three players all drop out of Hull’s 21-man squad ahead of Sunday’s Super League game at Bradford Bulls. Lennon Clark also makes way, as does Harry Newman, who has been recalled from his loan spell by Leeds Rhinos.
In come Ligi Sao, who has all clear to play after a recent head injury, and Ethan O’Neill, who has joined Hull on loan from Leeds. The Kemp twins, Callum and Lloyd, also come into the squad alongside young back row forward Will Kirby.
Harvey Barron is named in the squad again and in contention to play. He made his playing comeback for the reserves last Sunday.
In total, Hull are without ten players, with Bell, Bailey, and Laidlaw joining Will Pryce (ACL), Herman Ese’ese (Achilles), Jed Cartwright (hamstring), John Asiata (hamstring), Sam Lisone (pec), Arthur Romano (ankle), and Joe Ward (ACL) on the sidelines.
Hull 21-man squad: 2. Harvey Barron, 3. Davy Litten, 4. Zak Hardaker, 5. Lewis Martin, 6. Jake Arthur, 7. Aidan Sezer, 9. Amir Bourouh, 10. Harvie Hill, 11. Joe Batchelor, 14. Cade Cust, 18. Ligi Sao, 19. Tom Briscoe, 20. Yusuf Aydin, 23. Brad Fash, 24. Logan Moy, 27. Callum Kemp, 29. Will Hutchinson, 30. Will Kirby, 32. Lloyd Kemp, 38. Jeremiah Mata’utia, 39. Ethan O’Neill