Hull FC face the possibility of Jordan Abdull not being fit for the start of the season. The half-back is managing a knee issue, and while no timeframe has been given on the injury, there is a chance that the Black and Whites may have to look at other options for their Challenge Cup and Super League openers next month.
Thankfully, there are a few options to go at, and while the situation is far from ideal, with Abdull brought back to the club on a three-year deal to lead the side, it does present a potential opportunity elsewhere. On that front, John Cartwright has three players to call on: Cade Cust, Callum Kemp, and Jack Charles.
Cust, another off-season signing, can operate in both the half-back and hooker positions. However, he has trained the full pre-season to date in the halves alongside Aidan Sezer and could get the nod. Cust’s selection at seven also opens up a spot for Denive Balmforth to take a hooking spot with Amir Bourouh. Balmforth has impressed Cartwright in training and is going all out for a new deal, having signed a one-year extension last season. Hull Live understands the player wants to stay with Hull and will fight for his place this year. He could well get the bench spot with Bourouh starting at nine.
Elsewhere, Jack Charles will stake a claim after breaking onto the scene with 17 first-team appearances last season. The teenager is still nursing a hamstring injury, but he is believed to be in the latter stages of his rehab and set for a full recovery in the near future. He’ll be pressing to feature.
After making his debut at the end of last season, Callum Kemp is also in the picture. A natural number seven, he plays the first receiver role to good effect and cut a very calm and composed figure on his Super League debut. He is a firm option to go at, and by all accounts, he has trained well this pre-season.
Once again, Abdull hasn’t yet been ruled out for the opening fixtures, but Cartwright has exclusively told Hull Live his rehab is a ‘slow process’ with the medical staff keen to get him right. The player has made progress, but his bid to get fully fit may see him miss the start of the season. That opens the door for other players, with the side having plenty of options to go at.
Who would you select if Abdull is out? Let us know in the comments section below.
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