Sezer in doubt for Hull clash, reveals Simon Woolford

Huddersfield head coach Simon Woolford has revealed he could be without several first team stars for Sunday’s clash with Hull FC, including captain Aidan Sezer.

The scrum-half picked up a hamstring problem in the Giants’ 19-18 loss to Warrington two weeks ago, while halves partner Lee Gaskell is already out with a broken thumb.

It remains to be seen whether Sezer will be fit in time for Sunday’s game, but Woolford insists he has confidence in his other options at six and seven.

“I haven’t had as many selection headaches this week because we haven’t had so many to choose from,” said the Giants boss. “Sezer’s in a fair bit of doubt and I’d be surprised if he’s going to make it.

“We’ve got two young halfbacks that are here for a reason and that’s to back Sezer and Gaskell up so if Sezer doesn’t make it, we’ve got Tom Holmes and Olly Russell who’ll go straight in.

“I’ve got full faith and full belief that those guys can do the job. They deserve their opportunity so they may get that this week playing together.”

Sezer and Gaskell are simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Huddersfield’s injury woes, with Woolford likely to be forced into testing his squad depth this weekend.

Ukuma Ta’ai is another player on the injury list and with the Tongan forward out of contract at the end of the season, there’s a chance he could have played his last game at the John Smith’s.

“Ukuma’s (Ta’ai) gone long term. He got a really bad lateral ligament in his ankle. They’re talking three to four months so there’s every possibility Ukuma won’t play again this year.

“It would be a real shame for Ukuma not to play for the club again. We’ve got a couple of guys in limbo for next year (who are) out of contract.

“Ukuma’s had a good run here, I think he’s been here nine years now and I’d certainly like to think Ukuma hasn’t played his last game for the club but we’ll have to wait and see.

“Paul Clough’s left the club, Adam Walne hasn’t recovered from his head knock, Joe Wardle’s still not available, Aaron Murphy’s still not available. When it rains, it pours.

“We’ve had a couple of tight losses and on the back of it we’ve lost quite a few blokes so it’s a tough period for us.

“We knew it was going to come at some stage. We didn’t anticipate it was going to be this early but we’ve got good depth in our squad and I’m confident with the players that will come in.”