Hull FC interim boss Andy Last has explained why the club opted to bring in Ethan O’Neill on loan from Leeds Rhinos.
O’Neill has made a month-long switch to the Black and Whites, though Leeds do hold a recall clause, meaning they can bring him back at any point.
The former Leigh man has found game time hard to come by this year, having not featured at senior level since early March.
He will now get that chance under Last, as he joins fellow teammate Jeremiah Mata’utia at the club.
The move comes at an ideal time for both parties, with FC suffering the blow of Connor Bailey a fortnight ago.
The former York man fractured his clavicle in the opening minutes against Toulouse, and he is still in pain with that issue after having surgery.
“It’s a real shame for Connor, because he’s been playing well,” Last said to BBC Radio Humberside.
“It hurt us in the game. We thought it was just a stinger in the first tackle. He showed some toughness because he tried to stay out there.
“With it being what we thought was a stinger, we left him out there for a good five minutes and he got involved in a few more tackles.
“He tried sticking it out, and he tried to get through it, but it was evident that he wasn’t able to continue the game.”
As a result of Bailey’s early departure, it meant that the returning Joe Batchelor had to play more minutes than expected, something Last thought he did well at.
“It was his first game back. We had a plan to bring him on at that 30-minute to 50-minute mark so we’re not killing him too much.
“Literally first carry of the game, that plan is put in the bin and Batch is ready to go and he ended up playing the best part of 75 minutes.
“He was sore. Very, very sore after that game, but he was better for it, and he was better for it this week.”
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Hull FC boss explains Ethan O’Neill loan decision
With starting back rower Jed Cartwright out, and now Bailey sidelined as well, O’Neill is a solid reinforcement to bring in.
Last sang the praises of his new man, after revealing he has been a long-term admirer of the 26-year-old.
Explaining how the move came about, Last said: “When he was offered around previously, we were okay in the back row, but with Connor Bailey going down, there’s a big change in what we needed.
“We picked up the phone and asked Brad if Ethan would be available, and obviously he was obliging and gave us an opportunity to get someone with experience in the team who is motivated to play well.
“He was a player who caught our eye playing for Leigh last year with some strong performances on that edge.
“Physically, good. He’s a strong performer and he’s got some experience.”
O’Neill comes straight into contention for this week’s away trip to Bradford Bulls, which will take place on Sunday at Odsal.
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