Hull FC injury blow as John Cartwright rules key man out ahead of Wigan Warriors clash

Hull FC will be without star back Jordan Rapana for the next two weeks at least, John Cartwright has confirmed. The New Zealand international has been a key man for the Black and Whites this season, with the veteran being a near ever present since the start of Super League.

However, he picked up a groin injury last time out against Hull KR and was forced off in the closing minutes of the contest. And, the utility man has now been ruled out for the next couple of weeks at least, with Cartwright confirming the blow in his pre-match press conference.

“It’ll be a minimum two to four week injury,” Cartwright said on Rapana’s injury. “He tends to heal pretty quickly so I’m hoping more towards the two week side but it’s a groin injury and they’re always a bit dangerous.”

Fortunately for the Black and Whites, there is some good news this week with Harvey Barron pushing to make a return to the side against Wigan Warriors. The winger injured his hamstring against the Warriors in the Challenge Cup last month and has missed the club’s last five games as a result.

He has come through training this week, though, and looks set to be involved against the Cherry and Whites.

John Cartwright gives injury latest on Hull FC trio Harvey Barron, Ed Chamberlain and Liam Watts

“Harvey should be okay,” Cartwright added. “He got through today’s training session but I have a feeling he will be the only one.

“He was one of the outstanding wingers in the competition before he had the hamstring problem. He’ll come back into the side. Again, it’s just the nature of the game. We’ve just got to get through our session on Saturday and then we’ll finalise the team.”

Ed Chamberlain also picked up an injury last week against the Robins, damaging his shoulder, but is rated as touch and go at present.

“Ed has a slight chance,” he said. “He hasn’t done any contact so far this week. He’s done some stuff on pads and he got through okay. We need him to be. He’s got another three days before the game so fingers crossed he will be available.

“I don’t think Liam [Watts] will play this week. He’s not quite right.”