Hull to scour transfer market after Scott Taylor injury blow

The Black and Whites’ co-captain hobbled out of last Thursday’s Super League defeat at Wigan and is facing a lay-off of up to two months with a foot problem.

Hodgson said: “He’s got a fracture, a low-grade Lisfranc which could have been season-ending had it been higher than what it was.

“Thankfully it’s not the worst-case scenario, so he’ll be back in about two months’ time, hopefully.”

With Josh Bowden still sidelined with an elbow injury and Brad Fash picking up a one-match ban, Hodgson’s front-row resources are severely depleted for Saturday’s Challenge Cup quarter-final against Wigan at Headingley.

It is an area Hodgson identified as a potential weakness before the season began and he says the club now may need to act quickly to bring in reinforcements.

He said: “We’ve continually looked into the market. We need to bring in someone who is going to improve our squad and not just fill a gap now.

“Things have changed slightly obviously so we are continuing to have those conversations. We’re looking at the footage of certain players that we may be able to bring in but, unless they fit our culture, we will continue on the path we’re on.

“Hopefully someone will pop up short term.”

On the positive front, Hull will welcome back Australian stand-off Josh Reynolds and second-rower Manu Ma’u for Saturday’s cup-tie.

Reynolds scored three tries in his first two games for Hull but has missed the last four with a hamstring injury while Ma’u has missed the last three games with a calf problem.