Some further clarity on two big Hull FC injuries.
Hull FC loose-forward John Asiata.(Image: SW PIX)
Fears that John Asiata’s season could be over have been allayed ahead of more scans which will determine the exact timescale of the Hull FC star’s return.
However, the expectation is the key man will be sat on the sidelines for some time yet with a best-case scenario looking like at least three months.
The loose-forward tore his hamstring in the Good Friday derby against Hull KR, going down in the second half of the Easter clash.
Confirming the blow, the club said Asiata would be out for a ‘prolonged period’ on Friday with further scans to determine the full severity. However, head coach John Cartwright has provided a bit more clarity in revealing Asiata will be out for a minimum of 12 weeks.
If the player requires surgery, that 12-week prognosis could be much longer. The initial three-month assessment will see Asiata out until July at least, with Cartwright confirming there is a chance he could return for the end of the season.
“He sees a specialist tonight (Monday),” Cartwright said. “It’s long-term. I’d say a minimum 12 and if it needs surgery, it will probably be a little bit longer.
“He’s in rehab now, in that dark place where everyone hates being, but he’s handled it the right way. He’s been through it before and he certainly knows what’s in front of him. He’s a really positive chap, Johnny, and he’ll be back this year at some point.”
Elsewhere, it was confirmed on Friday that French centre Arthur Romano suffered an ankle injury in the derby, with the player expected to be out for ‘several months.’ However, Cartwright has provided more clarity on the situation, with Romano set to be out from eight to 12 weeks – ruling him out from anywhere between June and July.
“They are saying 8-12 weeks,” Cartwright said. “That’s a broad timeframe, I’d say, but he’ll work really hard to get back. He already is. He’ll be back on the shorter end of 8-12.”
In total, Hull will be without 10 players for Thursday’s game against St Helens. The other eight are Will Pryce (ACL), Harvey Barron (ankle), Jake Arthur (calf), Herman Ese’ese (Achilles), Joe Batchelor (back), Jed Cartwright (hamstring), Joe Phillips (leg), and Joe Ward (ACL). Their recovery times can be found here.