A gutting injury for Hull FC.
Hull FC forward Will Kirby in action against Huddersfield.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC forward Will Kirby has suffered a devastating ACL blow, interim head coach Andy Last has confirmed. The 20-year-old left the field early on against Wakefield Trinity last week after coming off second best in a tackle.
Last stated post-match that the expectation was an MCL or ACL injury and those worst fears have now been confirmed – with Kirby looking at around nine months out. The player is the third player to suffer an ACL injury this year after Joe Ward and Will Pryce.
Speaking to Hull Live, Last said: “It’s a significant injury. He’s done his ACL so he’s going to be out for a long period of time. It’s not a good one. It’s potentially nine months of rehab.
“I’m devastated for Will. It was one which brought a bit of a lump to my throat, if I’m being honest. He had his scan and then we got the news and now he’s out for a significant period of time.
“I messaged him and he thanked me for having the confidence in him to play. That’s the sad side of this savage sport that we play. Will trains really well and he works hard. He’s a good kid and he wants to represent the black and white.
“He got some good minutes, gained my confidence, and earned the trust of his teammates, but then the game found a way to knock him down.”
“And it was a non-impact injury. He tried to step and his knee gave way and he’s ended up with an ACL injury, but I know we’ll get round him; the medical staff will support him, and the club will support him. He’s the type of kid I think will come back stronger from it.”
On the injury front, Hull have also lost Ethan O’Neill to a hamstring injury. However, it’s hoped that the Leeds Rhinos loan player won’t be out for too long.
“He’s gone back to his parent club for treatment,” Last said. “It’s a little bit of a strain, Grade 2. Hopefully, he may be available for us next week.
“He’s certainly someone who has contributed significantly to our team. We like what Ethan’s about and what he’s done, but for now, he’s getting some treatment at Leeds.”
On the loan front, Warrington Wolves have recalled Max Wood, with Hull set for three changes to their line-up for Saturday’s game against Wigan.
“I always knew it was a possibility,” Last said. “Warrington have suffered some injuries themselves and needed to recall their players to supplement and service their team.
“Max is in their 21-man squad and it’ll be interesting to see what game time he gets tonight against Catalans and see how it goes.”