Hull FC

Hull FC continue with major worries ahead of crucial clash

by
Cam Pattison
March 1, 2024

Hull FC Head Coach Tony Smith has named his 21-man squad ahead of Sunday’s Betfred Super League Round 3 fixture against London Broncos.

Smith has made six changes to the side that was named ahead of last week’s clash against Warrington, welcoming several key players back into action.

Carlos Tuimavave is named and could make his first appearance of the season having recovered from a calf issue, while Ligi Sao returns from suspension and Danny Houghton is available following the completion of his head injury protocols after leaving the field in Round 1.

Matty Russell and Joe Bullock, both of whom have joined the club on loan from the Wolves this week, are included, alongside young half-back Jack Charles.

The six replace Liam Sutcliffe through suspension, and Harvey Barron with a hamstring strain, as well as youngsters Matty Laidlaw, Macca Harman, Jeylan Hodgson and Lennon Bursell.

Liam Tindall (thumb), Jake Trueman (Achilles) Brad Fash (ankle), Joe Cator (hamstring), Cam Scott (calf), Mitieli Vulikijapani (knee), Zach Jebson (ankle), Kye Armstrong (shoulder) and Cobie Wainhouse (knee) all continue their recovery from injury, while Herman Ese’ese and Franklin Pele remain suspended.

This comes as Tony Smith slammed the ban for Liam Sutcliffe.

Hull FC injury woes

Speaking on BBC Radio Humberside, Head Coach Tony Smith spoke about the injuries: “We don’t think it’s a tear, but he’s not right, it’s not quite there. He’s got a tightness there. We’ve been very cautious with it. He has had a history there from injuries in the past, so we don’t want to push that.

“It’s unfortunate for Harvey, because it was a great opportunity for him, and I thought he was doing well up until he picked up that issue. He’s got something going on around that area so he needs to get on top of that before we’ll risk him again. It will just be a case of leaving him out until he’s confident in it.

“Liam’s getting close, he’s running around in a cup on his thumb there, a plastic cup that prevents him from going out of position. He’ll be a couple of weeks I think, once he gets the strength back in his thumb but he’s able to do a lot of the physical training now which is good.

“Zach’s ankle was probably a little worse than he first thought or we first thought. He’s pain-free now, so he’s hoping to start running Saturday so he’s likely back in the next week or two.”