Hull FC have been dealt a boost after revealing that hooker Amir Bourouh is free to play against Wigan Warriors later today.
After picking up a head knock in last week’s loss to Wakefield, Bourouh didn’t return to the action, with interim boss Andy Last revealing that he was suffering from blurred vision.
However, that was a separate issue to the HIA, which he passed. The former Wigan and Salford man could have returned for another spell, however it was the eyesight issues that kept him sidelined.
Last confirmed that news in this week’s press conference, saying: “He actually passed his HIA, no problem… when you’re a hooker, having that eyesight is very important.
“Amir was just struggling to find his range with his passing and a bit of blurred vision. We made the decision to get him off the field.”
The coach also provided updates on more of his squad, including Jed Cartwright, who was another potential casualty from that game.
“He’s okay,” Last said on the back rower. “We’re just building up Jed’s match robustness and his match minutes. Getting him used to that week-in, week-out intensity in the Super League. He’s managed two (sets of) 40 minutes in the last two games, and we want to try and build that up again this week.”
FC will be without Max Wood this week, after he was recalled by parent club Warrington Wolves ahead of their would-be victory over Catalans Dragons last night.
“I was gutted,” Last said about the young forward. “Max has done a real good job for us. He was enjoying it and getting some significant game time in the Super League, which is what he wants at this stage of his development.”
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Whilst there will be some big losses from the side that turned out last Saturday, this week could see some important players return to the side, including overseas forward James Bell.
The ex-St Helens man has missed the last five games, but has been named in the side this week and could make a timely comeback.
Commenting on Bell’s progress, last said: “He’s working his way back to full fitness. He’s trained today, got through the session well, but we’re just having to manage the symptoms of coming back from that knee injury.
“He trained well on Tuesday, his knee was a little bit sore, so he had a little bit of treatment and ice yesterday, and then today he was able to get on the training field.
“He’s got some good reps, certainly adds to our team, and we’ll just have to manage how his body reacts to the training load today with a view to being considered for selection.
Also on the comeback trail are back-line pair Zak Hardaker and Lewis Martin. Hardaker suffered a neck issue in the defeat to Warrington, whilst Martin has missed four games after a knock at Bradford Bulls.
On Hardaker, Last revealed: “He’s passed his head protocols. No long-term issues there. A couple of days after the incident, he had a bit of a stiff neck, but that’s fine.
“He’s participated in all the sessions and contributed to the group like Zak does, which is with a lot of energy and being vocal and showing some leadership. I’m expecting a big game from Zak.”
Martin has been set a challenge by the interim boss, and if the 2025 top try scorer wants to earn a regular place in the side, his efforts on both sides of the field will need to improve.
“He was fully fit last week, that was just a selection decision for myself,” Last admitted. “Harvey, Lewis and Tom are fighting for those three wing spots of competent players, but I think Harvey and Tom’s form carrying out of backfield has been very good.
“I don’t think Lewis was in great form before his injury and then while he’s been out, Harvey’s got some game time and got some confidence, and Tom Briscoe’s been carrying the ball out of backfield, winning some play the balls for us, which we’ve really needed him to.
“If Lewis is selected this week, he needs to make sure that he plays well and gives himself the opportunity of staying in the team for a period of time.”
