How Hull FC could line up in round one amid injury concern

Hull FC are sweating over the fitness of Jordan Abdull as the new Super League season approaches. Abdull picked up a knee injury in pre-season training and he is yet to return to training with less than six weeks to go until Hull’s opening league game against Catalans Dragons.

Speaking with Hull Live, John Cartwright confirmed that surgery remains a possibility for the half-back, who had hoped to return to training before the festive lay-off. Going under the knife would rule Abdull out for a chunk of time, of course, and that would leave the head coach without one half of his first choice half-back partnership.

Abdull will wear the number six shirt, with Aidan Sezer set to pull strings with the seven on his back. But, if Abdull isn’t right for the round one trip to face Catalans in February, the Australian would be playing alongside a different pivot partner.

Cade Cust is the most obvious option, with the former Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors man being brought to the club over the off-season, too. The expectation for Cust is that he would play off the bench for the Black and Whites and potentially cover a number of positions, including half-back and hooker.

Jack Charles is another option with the youngster very highly thought of at the MKM Stadium. The 18-year-old has emerged through the youth ranks at the Black and Whites and made his debut at the club last season with 16 appearances coming over the course of the year.

There are youngsters below Cust and Charles who will be hoping to progress this year, but heading into round one, if Abdull isn’t available, Cartwright can be expected to choose between the pair. Should he go with Cust that could have knock on effects elsewhere in the line up with Denive Balmforth a possibility to come into the side to deputise for Amir Bourouh at hooker, or alternatively, Cartwright could opt to pack his bench with forwards.

Here’s how Hull FC could line-up on February 14 in Perpignan: Jordan Rapana; Lewis Martin, Ed Chamberlain, Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Ligi Sao; Jordan Lane, Jed Cartwright; John Asiata.

Bench: Oliver Holmes, Jack Ashworth, Yusuf Aydin, Denive Balmforth.