Hull FC injury latest as John Cartwright outlines double blow and return hopes

Hull FC will be checking on injuries to Ed Chamberlain and Jordan Rapana in the coming days following their loss to Hull KR on Friday.

The Black and Whites produced a spirited and gritty performance on home soil but it wasn’t enough to claim the derby spoils as Rovers ran out 28-14 victors. It was a closer game than the scoreline suggests and Hull’s cause wasn’t helped when they were reduced to 12-men following Cade Cust’s first-half sending off.

However, while there were positives to take, Hull duo Chamberlain and Rapana picked up issues with the former leaving the field in the first half and Rapana picking up an injury late on.

“He copped a knock to his shoulder,” Cartwright said on Chamberlain, who started the game as a makeshift back-rower. “It might be a nerve thing, it went dead and he lost a bit of power. The medical staff weren’t keen to put him back out there.

“I don’t know about Jordan [Rapana]. The initial thought is groin, but he was walking okay in the sheds. We’ll wait until Monday and see how that pulls up.”

Asked about John Asiata’s withdrawal, he added: “John cramped up. I looked across the line and there were guys who had nothing left to give. John was one. Amir Bourouh was one. We had to get some fresh legs on.”

Hull FC players pushing for return next week against Wigan Warriors

Hull must dust themselves down quickly as they prepare to host Wigan Warriors next weekend, and it seems Cartwright will be hoping for good news on more than one injury front.

Liam Watts hasn’t featured since the win over Wakefield Trinity last month, but the prop is pushing to be fit for the game and Harvey Barron could play, too, Cartwright has revealed.

“We’re hopeful on Harvey Barron and perhaps Liam Watts. There’s a little bit of light there,” he added.