Hull FC coach Andy Last has some big decisions to make.
Hull FC winger Lewis Martin.(Image: SW PIX)
Andy Last has confirmed Zak Hardaker will return to the Hull FC side against Wigan Warriors this Saturday afternoon. However, a final call is still to be made on James Bell.
Hardaker has missed the last two games after a failed HIA and neck issue, whereas Bell has been out for the last four matches with a knee injury. The Kiwi loose-forward has trained and is fit enough to be named in the 21-man squad with a final call to come after Friday’s team run.
Lennon Clark is also back in the fold after playing on loan for Goole Vikings last week – and is the third and final change to the 21.
“Zak and James have both trained very well and they give us some experience and leadership,” Last told Hull Live.” We’re looking forward to them being available for selection.
“Zak is ready to go again. There are no long-term effects. He had a little bit of a stiff neck after the incident and a little bit of a sore head, but yeah, he’s ready to go again and he adds plenty to our team with his competitiveness.
“It’s one of his former sides and I know he always likes to do well against them. We’re expecting a strong performance from Zak.
“We haven’t finalised the team yet, so Belly is not 100% certain to be playing, but he’s done enough to be part of the 21. He’s shown some real nice touches on the training field and if he’s in that team, he’ll add plenty to us.”
And on Clark, Last continued: “Lenny has trained well. He had a great session on Tuesday. He ran some real challenging lines and made a couple of line breaks. He’s a competent young man and he’s trained well and he deserves the opportunity to be in that 21 again.
“Tag (Scott Taylor) was really impressed with him. He got 80 minutes under his belt at a level which is higher than reserve grade and he more than held his own.
“I thought he did a good job in the minutes that he got against Leigh a few weeks back as well and he’s someone who has added to our group in terms of the level of how he trains. He wants to learn – he wants to get better. And he goes and plays Championship and holds his own. He’s a good lad.”
Elsewhere, Amir Bourouh and Jed Cartwright have come through unscathed after issues in last week’s game against Wakefield Trinity. Neither player came back on for the second half, with Bourouh having a vision complaint after passing his HIA and Cartwright’s hamstring tightening up at half-time.
“It’s a boost,” Last said on their inclusion. “Amir is someone who showed what he’s capable of against Huddersfield. He was dynamic and he ran very well in that game. He gives us some steel in the middle of the field.
“Jed is working on his match fitness. He’s been out for a long time, so building up that match fitness area is something which is really important for him.”
Last also confirmed Lewis Martin is fit and available. On his chances of returning to the side, the interim head coach added: “Good, to be fair. He’s had another good week’s practice under his belt.
“I think the issue for Lewis is that he’s got one position which is wing, and the wingers have been playing well in Harvey Barron and Tommy Briscoe. Both of them have been carrying the ball out of the backfield very well.
“Lewis’ challenge is to get himself an opportunity and once he gets that opportunity, he’s got to showcase the best of himself to keep that spot. That’s one of the pluses of having a fit and healthy squad – you’ve got competition for places, which raises the performance levels of everybody in the team.
“Tommy and Harvey have to be at their best because Lewis will be certainly knocking on the door and asking for an opportunity to play. He’s certainly capable. He’s had a good week and he’s certainly coming into consideration for selection.”