Hull suffer double injury blow

Correspondent

Carlos Tuimavave is back for Hull

Already without Josh Griffin, who sustained a season-ended ruptured Achilles in last Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by St Helens, the Black and Whites lost two other centres to injury in the five-try victory.Carlos Tuimavave went off with a hamstring problem after 27 minutes and Cameron Scott had his shoulder in a sling after the match.

“It doesn’t look good for either of them,” said Hodgson, who looks set to call on former British Army winger Mitieli Vulikijapani, who was this week recalled from his loan spell at Bradford, for the next game at Leigh.

“Cam is a band one for us because he was providing that cover so we are going to have find someone,” Hodgson said.

“We were down to 20 fit players already so it’s going to make it difficult.”

REPORT: Castleford 12-30 Hull: Dream start for youngster in vain as Hull ease to win

With scrum-half Marc Sneyd sin-binned for a professional foul, Hull finished the game with 11 men, but Hodgson was delighted with the way his side responded to their semi-final loss.

“I think we saw two flat teams out there today,” he said. “Backing up after five days from the enormity of the Challenge Cup, it was always going to be difficult to play five days later.

“Thankfully we came away with the two points. The try before half-time was crucial and I was really happy with the way we started the second half.”

Threequarters Mahe Fonua and Adam Swift scored two tries apiece and full-back Jake Connor capped a superb performance with his side’s final try.

“Jake had some touches which showed how much class he has,” Hodgson said. “I haven’t seen many players in my career with as much skill has he has. He showed pure talent for that try just before half-time.

“He was busy throughout the game, it was a very mature performance.”


Subscribe to The Final Hooter on Apple Podcasts and get involved with the free-to-play Fantasy Rugby League 2021.

Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.