Brett Hodgson reveals extent of injuries to important trio

Like many in Super League, Brett Hodgson’s Hull FC side are doing it tough with injuries. 

But, another three had to leave the field against Castleford in the Airlie Birds’ last fixture, with a range of time expected on the sideline.

“Carlos Tuimavave has torn his hamstring unfortunately, so he will be about three or four weeks at this stage though he’s feeling okay,” Hodgson said.

“Josh Bowden won’t be available this week, but he’s got a syndesmosis low grade so hopefully it won’t be too long for him.

“Cameron Scott has done his AC joint which is substantial and he will be out for a month, but he has had an issue with his shoulder before.

“Carlos is a big loss, and with Josh Griffin and Cam Scott out too we’re a bit thin in the centres, but Mahe did a tremendous job last week so he will retain his place there.”

Hodgson has revealed who is most likely to replace Tuimavave as well as the timescale for two of his other stars to return.

“We’ve got three options there: Connor Wynne, Mitch (Mitieli Vulikijapani) and Bureta Faraimo who has played centre at some stage in his career.

“I’m very confident that we will be ok; Mitch is ready for his chance, he’s always tried learning and I thought he has handled himself pretty well and we’re very excited.

“The way the salary cap is, we need to find different avenues to get gems and we’re confident Mitch can perform to the level we need him to be able to.”

“Joe Cator is hopeful for next week, but Scott Taylor is still a good three or four weeks away.”

The prospect of moving Jake Connor to centre – where he has played before – did not enter the Hull boss’ head.

“With Jake we wanted to invest him in as a fullback; he mentioned previously that he’s been shipped around all different positions, but I don’t want to do that to him.”

Hodgson is keen for his side not to take their next opponents – Leigh – lightly.

“We value this game against Leigh and we need to build on what we did well at Castleford.

“It’s a must-win game and we can’t take Leigh lightly, so we’re hopeful for another quality performance on Saturday.

“We’ve got a lot of games in a short period of time, but we need to make sure we’re firing on all cylinders.”