Hull FC take on Wigan Warriors this weekend for Scott Taylor’s testimonial match, and whilst Tony Smith has named a strong squad he’s confirmed that one of the team’s new signings has been hit with an injury blow.
Taylor’s testimonial clash comes after his retirement in late 2023 with the prop forward deciding to call time on his 15-year career, this weekend’s clash to be the final time he takes to the field.
Smith has of course named Taylor in his squad suggesting that the Hull native will have a cameo on his big day, the RFL having awarded him a testimonial on account of his services to the sport.
In Wigan, he faces one of his former clubs with Taylor’s only Grand Final win coming for the Warriors, however, he cemented himself as an FC legend for his role in their back-to-back Challenge Cup wins in 2016 and 2017.
Fans will get to pay their respects to Taylor and they’ll also get to see a host of the club’s new signings play at the MKM for the first time.
Despite talents such as Nu Brown, Herman Ese’ese, Franklin Pele and Jayden Okunbor being named in the squad, two recruits will be absentees with one of them potentially facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
Hull FC signing to see a specialist for injury
Liam Tindall could miss the season opener for Hull FC with a broken thumb – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
The two signings that won’t feature are Morgan Smith, who arrived from Wakefield Trinity, and ex-Leeds Rhinos winger Liam Tindall.
Whilst Smith enters the fray at Hull FC as a developmental player who can cover a number of positions in the spine, Tindall was recruited to be the replacement for star winger Adam Swift.
Swift went under the radar in 2023 for how good his season was with the new Huddersfield Giants’ man scoring 19 tries in a side that placed tenth in Super League.
He’s already got off to a flying start at the John Smith’s Stadium, scoring a hattrick in Sunday’s huge win over London Broncos.
As such Tindall doesn’t just replace Swift but he has to try and replace the 19 tries scored and there are now fears he may miss the start of the season.
Confirming his team news, Tony Smith told hullfc.com: “Liam Tindall broke his thumb in training last week, which means he’s going to be unavailable for us. He’s seeing a consultant on Thursday to assess the severity of the issue.”
It isn’t the first nasty injury to a Hull FC player’s fingers and thumbs with Liam Sutcliffe suffering a horror injury last year that saw him ‘degloved’.
As for new half-back Smith it was confirmed that he was dealing with a strain attained in the win over Doncaster with Tony Smith confirming he’s hopeful of his availability in Round One.
The full Hull FC squad to face Wigan Warriors can be seen below.
1 – Tex Hoy
3- Carlos Tuimavave
4 – Liam Sutcliffe
5 – Darnell McIntosh
7 – Fa’amanu Brown
8 – Herman Ese’ese
9 – Danny Houghton
10 – Franklin Pele
11 – Jayden Okunbor
12 – Ligi Sao
13 – Brad Fash
14 – Joe Cator
15 – Jordan Lane
16 – Jack Ashworth
17 – Cam Scott
20 – Jack Brown
21 – Will Gardiner
23 – Davy Litten
26 – Lewis Martin
31 – Jack Walker
40 – Jack Charles
– Scott Taylor
