Hull FC have moved to bring back a second loan player with John Cartwright’s squad decimated through injury and suspension.
The Black and Whites are short on troops for Saturday’s home game against Warrington Wolves with Sunday’s derby defeat to Hull KR coming with a heavy price.
Rather than injury luck striking them down, as has been the case in recent weeks, it was Hull FC’s own discipline that fell short as three players were handed immediate bans, with Jack Ashworth set to receive an even larger ban tonight.
Ashworth was handed a Grade E charge for striking and will learn his fate later at an Operational Rules Tribunal with a very hefty ban expected, one that will likely end his Hull FC career given the reports he will head to Castleford Tigers in 2026.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Aydin and Amir Bourouh were both handed one-game bans, with retiring star Jordan Rapana handed two separate one-match bans, ruling him out for the regular season.
Factor in an injury list that includes Will Pryce, John Asiata, Ed Chamberlain, Jed Cartwright, Ligi Sao, Herman Ese’ese, and more, it’s no surprise to see Hull FC recall another loanee.
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Hull FC recall Hugo Salabio
After recalling Denive Balmforth from Catalans Dragons last night, Hull FC have now recalled French prop Hugo Salabio from Castleford Tigers.
That was confirmed via social media with Hull FC announcing: “Hull FC can confirm that Hugo Salabio has been recalled from his loan spell at Castleford Tigers.
“The prop will be available for selection for Saturday’s Betfred Super League R26 fixture against Warrington Wolves.”
Salabio signed for the Black and Whites this year but left in March on a season-long loan to Castleford, though he now returns to the MKM Stadium.
He’s a likely candidate to be thrown straight into the 21-man squad and very likely the 17-man squad, especially if Sam Eseh does not recover from his injury.
The 25-year-old forward Salabio hasn’t featured for Castleford in recent weeks, making five appearances during his time at the Jungle.
The last of those appearances came in Round 23 with that game being his first in almost three months.
With Balmforth recalled from his loan deal, it means Cade Cust will be able to resume in the halves, whilst the forward pack will gain some depth with Salabio’s return.
On our new Serious About Rugby League Show, Hull FC’s top six hopes were discussed. You can watch the full episode via our new YouTube channel here.
