Cruel blow for Nicklas

Hull FC teenager Danny Nicklas has been ruled out of the entire 2011 season with a knee injury.

The 19-year-old was injured during last weekend’s pre-season match with Doncaster and a scan has confirmed that he has a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament.

It is a cruel blow to the young stand off as he had only just returned to action following his recovery from a different injury to the same knee.

Nicklas recently penned his first full-time professional contract with the club, who had high hopes for the player this season.

The Black and Whites head coach Richard Agar said: “Everybody in the squad is really feeling for him at this moment in time.

“He’s worked hard to get back playing for the new season, but this is the worse possible news and as you can imagine, Danny is shattered.

“To do it so early in his first full time game is a cruel blow for him, but we’ll get him looked after, give him the best possible support and he’ll bounce back fitter and stronger than before.”

The injury is likely to see Agar step up his search for a new half back to provide cover for Sean Long and Richard Horne.

Agar has been linked with moves for Crusaders star Jarrod Sammut and Batley playmaker Gareth Moore in recent weeks.