Hull FC interim coach Simon Grix looks set to make a couple of late calls over fitness ahead of this weekend’s clash with Salford Red Devils.
The Black and Whites were beaten 68-6 at Leeds Rhinos last time out and they’ll be eager to restore some pride on Saturday in their penultimate fixture of the season as they bid to avoid picking up the wooden spoon.
However, Hull will be without Jed Cartwright, who was handed a one-match ban for a late shot at Headingley, but they could see a couple more players drop out of contention this week with late fitness checks set to place at the club’s training ground.
“We’re pretty used to leaving it till the day before now to decide,” Grix told the media on Wednesday afternoon. “A few picked up bumps in that game. That’s what normally happens when you’re on the end of a hiding like that, you’re defending for large parts and the games at a speed you can’t handle.
“Not moaning about it, it’s just a fact and if we can swing it around maybe we can come off a little bit lighter. A few to check on.
“I think Jed’s a loss. Irrespective of the outcomes of the games he’s played this year, he’s shown some real character and not lowered his standards regardless of what’s been going on. He’s been good and really unfortunate.
“I think it’s a late shot, but you see way worse ones. It’s that subjectivity, the yellow card highlights him and in the review they have a job to do and it’s a loss to us and he’s pretty gutted about it.”
There is some good news, though, with Davy Litten on the verge of a Hull FC return to action after overcoming a knee injury.
“He’s flying, he’s trained and he’s been chomping at the bit trying to progress quickly,” Grix added. “He’s back in contention now and he’s got boxes to tick, introducing him to contact, chaos, all those bits. He’s got a chance this week. He’s grown up watching the likes of Carlos Tuimavave and Danny Houghton and he’d love to be a part of the next two games.
“He’s got a good energy about him and it’s great to have him back on the field with us. He looks a little different and he’s put a bit of size on, he looks good.”
Jake Trueman will have just one more week to prove his fitness, though, before the end of the Super League campaign with Grix ruling him out of a return to action this week.
“He’s no chance this week, he’s not trained with us,” he said. “He’s back on the field and running. Like all of them, they have a path they to follow to get themselves into selection. It’ll be nice to see Trueman before the end but certainly this week it won’t be.”
