Hull FC injury update as coach explains John Asiata decision

After progressing to Round Four of the Challenge Cup, Hull FC head coach John Cartwright has given an injury update and also explained the decision to play vice-captain John Asiata when so many senior stars were rested.

Hull FC were one of three Super League sides to face amateur opposition and despite the scores being level 6-6 after 20 minutes, the Black and Whites cruised to a 52-6 victory to put their name in the hat for next week’s Round Four draw.

Despite being one of the Super League sides to make a whole host of signings and having only played one pre-season game, Cartwright opted to hold back plenty of his new recruits including the likes of Jordan Rapana, Zak Hardaker and Aidan Sezer.

However, John Asiata was one of those who played and Cartwright spoke post-match with BBC Radio Humberside to explain that decision.

The Australian revealed: “We spoke to John through the week and he thought he felt a bit rusty last week and the only way you can really get rid of that is to play in games so he was very keen to play.

“He came through really well last week so it was a pretty measured decision to play him this week.”

Hull FC coach explains Asiata selection decision with positive injury update

Asiata came through unscathed and also managed to get himself a try but the clean slate of health was the most important thing, as is the case for the whole team and Cartwright gave a positive injury update at full time.

He said: “Ollie Holmes came off a little bit sore but it was more precautionary. I’m pretty sure he will be available next week but outside of that, we were pretty good.

“We’re pretty healthy, there are a few long-termers who are younger guys but the senior squad we’ve got pretty much everyone available so it’s a bit of a tough time for us to come up with a side this week.”

Assessing the game generally, Cartwright honed in on that injury-free line once again as he explained: “It was probably what we expected. They were a very gritty side, they slowed us down at the play the ball but we just wanted to come here and get a win and get away without any injuries and we were able to do that.”

Whilst only a few of the new signings debuted, plenty of young stars got out there and acquitted themselves very well in Cartwright’s eyes with a total of seven players making their debuts.

He saidL “It was good to see some of the young boys get out there as well. We played the game with one eye on next week against Catalans which is a shortish turnaround with the travel so we’ll have a day less training.

“But it was exciting to give (debuts) to some of the young buys like young Hutch, young Kemp, Westerman, Will Kirby. They went out there and acquitted themselves really well.

“A lot of them haven’t played much senior footy and whilst they (Acorn) were an amateur team, they were very willing. They did themselves and their fans proud and they were rewarded with a try.

“So for our guys in a physical game, I thought they did well.”