John Asiata and Cade Cust injury update as Hull FC boss talks replacements

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright has given an injury update after two of his star players pulled up in the win over Leigh Leopards.

Cartwright’s side snapped a losing streak and put in a very strong performance on the road against Leigh as they won 26-12 but it came at a cost with both John Asiata and Cade Cust suffering injuries.

It means there’s a chance that two of the Black and Whites starting spine are out this week with Cartwright confirming that Asiata certainly will miss the trip to France to face Catalans Dragons.

“John gets a scan tomorrow so we’re not clear on the length of time but he definitely won’t play this week,” the Australian confirmed to BBC Humberside.

As for Cust, who suffered a hop injury, Hull FC hope to make a late call on him though the former Wigan Warriors and Salford man is yet to train.

Cartwright confirmed: “Cade hasn’t trained with us yet. He’s been in rehab and we’ll give him until Thursday. We don’t fly out until Thursday lunchtime so we’ll have an idea once we finish training on Thursday.”

How Hull FC could replace Cade Cust with Asiata set for scans

The signing of John Asiata was a big statement by Hull FC with the ex-Leigh man reportedly signing on big money but he’s been worth it so far with the loose forward being an ever-present and having a massive impact on how the Black and Whites play.

As an extension of the one, six, seven and nine, Asiata has helped dictate play and it’s no coincidence that when he is on form, Hull FC play their best rugby.

Asked about how big a blow it could be to lose him for an extended period, Cartwright responded: “There’s no point worrying about it until we know what we’re dealing with.”

He did offer some hope though, noting: “It’s hard to say with hamstrings. He’s had experience with that sort of injury on his other leg and it doesn’t feel as bad, but until you get that scan result we don’t really know.”

The bye for the Challenge Cup Final potentially comes at a good time for Hull FC in that sense but scans will confirm the true extent of his time on the sidelines.

With Asiata out, the importance of who plays in the halves alongside Aidan Sezer is heightened and should Cust miss out, it will come down to either Jordan Rapana or Jack Charles.

Cartwright confirmed: “We’ve trained with them both there this week. We’re not in any rush to make the decision.”

On Rapana, who missed the win over Leigh due to a HIA, Cartwright noted:”He’s 100% clear, passed all the tests. He’s still probably finding his feet and that’s probably my fault for shifting him around the park.”

The New Zealand international has played everywhere in the backs and has even done stints in the second-row as well, however, a return to centre or a role in the halves looks most likely on Saturday.