John Cartwright gives Jordan Rapana update amid huge Hull FC injury boost

John Cartwright has high hopes of seeing Jordan Rapana being given the all clear to represent Hull FC next week at Catalans Dragons.

Rapana had to be stretchered off the field on Friday night as the Black and Whites took on Leeds Rhinos at Headingley. The versatile back took a blow to the head while attempting to tackle Jake Connor in the first half of the contest and subsequently required over 10 minutes of treatment.

Cartwright was able to confirm that the former New Zealand international was conscious and well after the game and speaking on Monday afternoon ahead the club’s trip to Leigh Leopards on Monday, the head coach revealed that Rapana will be back before the end of the month, all being well.

“He’s just in protocols with the head knock, it’ll be a minimum of 11 days, he’s gone to see a specialist to clear him for Catalans,” Cartwright told journalists at the club’s training ground.

“They cleared (it wasn’t his neck) pretty well after the game. He was up and about straight after and they were able to test his neck and he was fine. That’s the bright side of it.

“He copped a nasty knock to the head so he was never going to come back onto the field but they couldn’t communicate with him so they all did a great job and making sure his health came first.

“If he gets the all-clear, it’s just a protocol that every player has to go through. If he gets that, he’ll be alright to go.”

Jed Cartwright nearing Hull FC return

There’s also a possibility that Jed Cartwright could make a return to action in the south of France on May 31, but the head coach insists he still has a decision to make there.

“Maybe Catalans,” Cartwright added when asked about the back-rower. “It’s just whether we take the risk with the week after not playing. They’ve got to travel over, which sometimes isn’t good for hamstrings, on the plane and the bus, sitting around and that. It’s not very conducive for hamstrings, but we’ll probably take him, and we’ll give him every chance.

“We’ve got a week off the following week, and then we’ve got a big home game against Castleford. We’ll have to weigh all those things up.

“He was playing really well, Jed – and we’ve really missed him. He’s back in full training. He’s really happy – he got through a full session today at top speed and did all the contact. He’s in good spirits. He wants to get back.”