Hull FC boss John Cartwright has confirmed that son and second-rower Jed Cartwright will be out ‘long-term’ but potentially not as long as what was initially reported.
Initial reports claimed that the 29-year-old Cartwright, who suffered an injury in the round three loss to York Knights, would require surgery and thus be sidelined for 16-20 weeks, however, father and coach John has now told BBC Radio Humberside that Jed will not undergo surgery.
Speaking after his side’s defeat to Wakefield Trinity, the head coach was asked about the second-rower’s injury and if reports of another hamstring issue were true.
“Yeah, he’s got a bad hamstring tear. It’s a bit early to say how long but it’s long-term,” Cartwright confirmed, however, when asked if talk of ‘four to five months’ was realistic, per Love Rugby League’s report, Cartwright offered fans some hope.
“No, I don’t think so,” Cartwright explained, adding: “He doesn’t require surgery. Surgery would have meant a minimum of four months but he won’t require surgery.
“We’ll talk to the physios properly and get a round about date but it’s going to be hard work for him again. It’s a tough one.”
Hull FC boss talks injury replacement signings
Regardless of whether Jed Cartwright does or does not require surgery, the latter being the club’s stance, it’s another long-term injury in the pack.
Joe Batchelor and Herman Ese’ese are still set to miss out for a number of weeks whilst Liam Knight has been granted a release to return to Australia, leaving Hull FC light in their pack.
Asked if that meant incoming signings, coach Cartwright said: “Not at the moment. It’s a really difficult time of the year to recruit and the last thing you want to do is make a signing when you haven’t done all your homework, and seen what’s exactly available.”
The Black and Whites also have a gap to fill at full-back with Will Pryce out for the season, however, finding the balance between who they replace with signings and who they replace internally will be a decision that requires ‘homework’.
Cartwright explained: “Will is going to be here next year so do we need to fill that void for the rest of the season? I’d say we probably will just for depth but it’s a time to do our homework and come up with a plan of where we need some players.”
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