Hull are managing a couple of their big forwards after some lengthy injuries.
Hull FC prop Herman Ese’ese.(Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull FC)
Andy Last has explained the methodology behind Hull FC prop Herman Ese’ese’s current role. The powerful front-row forward is now two games into his comeback, having returned at Warrington Wolves earlier this month following a nine-month Achilles injury.
Ese’ese backed that comeback game up against Huddersfield Giants last week, running for over 140 metres off the bench, with Last set to keep using the big middle – who produced some stern carries and got Hull on the front foot – in a similar role as he builds up his match fitness after such a long time out.
Last is optimistic that caution will benefit Ese’ese, particularly since Hull are also monitoring the minutes of back row forwards Joe Batchelor and Jed Cartwright following recent injuries.
“I still think there’s a lot of growth in Herman in terms of performance,” Last said. “We’re using him just before half-time and just after half-time; he’s not quite there to start the game yet, and we’re working on that match fitness and match sharpness. He’s aware of that.
“We feel as though the role coming off the bench suits him at this moment. We saw last week that he has got some strong carries and he is difficult to put to ground. He allows us to get on the front foot. He knows his role at the moment and he’s doing the best that he can.
“We’re being careful. We’re managing his minutes and involvements. You don’t want to leave him out there too long where he can get exposed, whether it’s laterally or from a fatigue element, as he’s coming back from a long-term injury.
“He’s also coming back in and around two other guys we are managing minutes with and match fitness, etc. That’s been a challenge, but it’s one we have to do and not only be mindful of the here and now but the future as well.”
As for Cartwright, who was carefully managed on his own comeback game with his minutes reduced, Last continued: “He did well. He showed what he is capable of. He gives us some strike and presence on that left edge. He ran a couple of good lines.
“He went crazy a couple of times defensively, chasing from marker and getting himself involved in contact. And when he ran a strong inside shoulder and got the offload away to Jake Arthur to score, that was exactly what we had been needing from our back rowers. Jed is certainly a player who is capable of having an impact on a game – and he had an impact for us.”
Of course, Cartwright, who has missed the last three and a half months with a hamstring injury, will leave Hull at the end of the season, with the club opting not to renew his contract. However, there’s no doubt in Last’s mind that the Black and Whites will see the best of him until then.
“Jed has been brought up in and around rugby league – he’s desperate to play and put his best foot forward,” Last added. “His motivation is his family, and we’re certainly going to get the best of Jed.
“He’s just been unfortunate with injuries. Hopefully, we can manage him now and get plenty of games out of him between now and the end of the season.”