Hull FC will get a welcome boost to face Hull KR.
Hull FC loose-forward James Bell.(Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull FC)
Andy Last has confirmed that James Bell and Cade Cust will return to the Hull FC side against Hull KR this weekend – each playing a ‘significant’ role in the 251st Hull derby clash.
The duo were both named in Hull’s 21-man squad this Thursday afternoon and both will make their comebacks from knee and shoulder injuries at the Magic Weekend this Saturday afternoon.
Breaking new ground at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, Hull and Rovers are set to meet on Merseyside for the second time – with Hull defeating the old enemy in St Helens six years ago. But this is a fresh challenge, and one Hull are buoyed by with two key and dynamic returns to their side.
Speaking to Hull Live, Last said: “Belly will be good to go this weekend. It was just a week too soon for him last week. He pushed himself hard to try and get into the team against Wigan but we made the decision not to rush him.
“He looks a little bit better for that this week. He’s tolerated the training loads and he’s not had any adverse effects. We’re looking forward to having him back. He’s a smart ball player, Belly – he’s combative and gives you some line speed. He’s got some whack about him. He’ll play a significant role for us.”
And on Cust, who can cover Hull in numerous positions, Last continued: “It is also a big boost to our side having Cade back. He is someone who plays these derby games full of energy and full of emotion.
“He’s a real threat too, whether he plays at six, at nine, or at thirteen – he gives us some versatility and he’s a running threat which is something that we definitely need. We’re looking forward to having Cade back out there.
“He’s trained well. He had a contact session this week and he’s suffered no adverse effects. He’s looking forward to the contest. He’s very competitive, and that’s what we like about him.
“He’s also a dynamic player. He’s strong, explosive, and carries the ball well. He gives us some line speed as well. He’s freshened his body up nursing that injury. He hasn’t played for a few weeks now and absence makes the heart grow fonder – he’s desperate to get out there and support his teammates – and there’s no better game to play in than a derby.”
Cust and Bell are the only team changes expected for Hull, with Harvey Barron dropping out of the side after failing his HIA last week. However, the winger is on track to feature in next week’s game at York Knights.
“Harvey is okay,” Last confirmed. “He’s suffered no reactions to that HIA. He’s followed his return-to-play protocols and will train on Friday morning with the rest of the injured guys. There’s a good crew of them still, which is a shame for us, but hopefully, he’ll be considered for the York game.”
On the injury front, Barron is joined by Will Pryce (ACL), John Asiata (hamstring), Sam Lisone (pec), Ligi Sao (shoulder), Connor Bailey (collarbone), Arthur Romano (ankle), Brad Fash (knee), Will Kirby (ACL), Joe Ward (ACL) and Ethan O’Neill (hamstring). Yusuf Aydin and Roman Dawson are suspended and will be available again for the York game.