Hull FC centre Hardaker failed his HIA after a big contact at Warrington.
Hull FC lost Zak Hardaker to a failed HIA. (Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull FC)
Andy Last has stated that Hull FC star Zak Hardaker felt a crunch in his neck after a bruising hit at Warrington Wolves on Friday night.
Hardaker left the field and subsequently failed his HIA late in the first half of Hull’s 12-4 defeat to Warrington. Playing in the right centre spot at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, the 34-year-old went down after coming off second best in a collision, receiving several minutes of treatment from Hull’s medical staff.
Thankfully, Hardaker was able to regain his feet before leaving the field for his HIA, which he failed, automatically ruling him out of Hull’s next Super League clash against Huddersfield Giants at the MKM Stadium on Saturday 13 June.
“He’s a little bit groggy in the changing rooms after the game,” Last said post-match. “He felt a crunch in his neck, so we were very worried there; you know, a lad on his back and obviously he heard the crunch in his neck, and then he felt a little bit dizzy.
“It didn’t feel as though it was going to be one of those that he’d be able to shake off. And when Zak stays down, you know that it’s something serious.
“I was a little bit worried up in the stands, but it was great to see him sit up. The medical team got him up on his feet and got him back into the changing rooms. He failed his HIA, so obviously he wasn’t able to go back on, but he’s talking and in good spirits there.”
Outlining the next steps for Hardaker, who will have to pass the sports return to play protocols before he takes to the field again, Last added: “I think everything around that neck joint has sort of just gone into a little bit of spasm now. His neck is a little bit tight, and his back’s a little bit sore, so we’ll have to look at the seriousness of that in due course.”
Hardaker is Hull’s latest injury blow. The club already have 12 players out due to injury and suspension, with Will Pryce, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin, Jed Cartwright, John Asiata, James Bell, Sam Lisone, Ligi Sao, Connor Bailey, Arthur Romano, Brad Fash, and Joe Ward all in rehab or coming back to fitness, and Yusuf Aydin and Joe Ward both suspended.
Meanwhile, Hull’s game against the Giants is the first of three at home, with clashes against Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors to come before the Magic Weekend derby against Hull KR.