Super League is reaching it’s 2023 climax with battles all across the table and very few sides with nothing to play for, Wigan Warriors lead the charge for the League Leaders Shield, Leeds Rhinos have just about kept their playoff chances alive and the battle to survive is still on between Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.
Huddersfield Giants would need close to a miracle to make the playoffs, having to win their remaining three by large margins as well as hoping for some variation that sees only one of Warrington, Hull KR and Salford reach 28 points.
Whilst that’s unlikely, it is still possible, meaning the only side who have nothing to play for but pride is Hull FC and Tony Smith has been speaking to BBC Humberside addressing how he plans to approach the final games given his side’s injury and suspension status.
“Yeah, the idea would have been for Jake to be in there and unfortunately he’s not. It’s just one of those situations you’ve just got to handle and cope with and we will,” Smith explained after Clifford copped a ban for an off the ball incident.
“If you’ve got Jake in your team I think it makes your team better but this week it’s an opportunity for somebody else to step up and fill his shoes. So, we’ll be okay.”
One man who could well step into Clifford’s shoes is fellow Australian Tex Hoy, the full-back returning last weekend, but equally adept in the halves as Smith explained.
“He played, I think, 43 minutes or so last weekend and I thought he made a pretty good fist of it, most of it, having not played for six weeks or so before that.
“He’s one of the options, that’s for sure. But we’ve got a few people we can shuffle around into those roles if need be and we we train for that and there might be some other options for us as well.”
FC travel to Castleford who will be desperate for a win themselves to try and ensure their Super League survival but FC could be doing it tough and without star centre Liam Sutcliffe.
“It’s kind of his ribs, it’s ribs back,” Smith explained, “it’s in that muscular part of the back around there, your ribs in the back part of your abdomen if you like.
“Yeah, he just strained it. He’s not too bad. He’s getting there. Whether it’s in time for the game this week, I’m not sure. So, yeah, we’ll just suss him out as he gets closer to the game. But it’s not a severe injury that will likely keep him out for too long.”
17-year-old prop Cobie Wainhouse was the 18th man against Leeds Rhinos last week and could feature his weekend, but certainly sounds a player to watch in pre-season according to Smith.
“I don’t hand things out as charity and he’s got to earn it and he’s got to earn the right for the badge and the jersey but his attitude’s been terrific this year and he’s certainly got potential.
“I won’t have too many hesitations in giving him a chance if he deserves it and it’s the right thing to do. And if it isn’t this year, I’ll be surprised if it’s not early next year.”
