Hull FC: Tony Smith provides optimistic update on off-season recruit but confirms two more injuries

Hull boss Tony Smith says that off-season recruit Jake Clifford has ‘every chance’ of returning to action against Huddersfield this weekend. 

The former NRL playmaker has been sidelined ever since the side’s 40-0 derby defeat to Hull KR on Good Friday.

Speaking to hullfc.com, Smith provided a full injury update as the 11th-placed side host Ian Watson’s Huddersfield on Sunday, with a 3:00pm kick-off.

“Both Jake and Tex Hoy (hamstring) are close to being ready,” head coach Smith said.

“Jake trained today. We’ll have to see how he pulls up tomorrow but he has given himself every chance of being involved this weekend.

“This week’s game probably comes a few days too soon for Tex.”

Hull could also be boosted by the return of forward pair Scott Taylor and Andre Savelio.

Taylor, 32, has been sidelined with a calf injury since Good Friday. Meanwhile 28-year-old Savelio has been suffering with a hand injury. His last appearance came at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in the 34-6 loss to Warrington.

“Scott will be back this week. He is fit and available,” Smith added.

“And Andre should be close. He still has some soreness but we expect him to be available.”

Full-back Jamie Shaul and outside-back Mitieli Vulikijapani continue to be sidelined through calf and knee injuries respectively.

Fiji international Vulikijapani could be set for a ‘significant operation’ in the near-future according to his head coach. 

Smith continued: “Jamie still isn’t right with his calf, so he isn’t back in full training yet.

“He’s only doing some straight line running.

“Mitch still has swelling in his knee. We’ve had to wait for that swelling to go down before he gets a scan, which will be this Friday.

“We need to decide whether he goes down the rehab route again, or if he’ll have a significant operation where he would effectively have a new ACL created.

“We’ll have some more news after Friday.”

Tony Smith confirms two fresh blow

Youngsters Charlie Severs (shoulder) and Kye Armstrong (jaw) suffered blows while featuring for the side’s reserves against Leeds on Friday.

Severs, 19, made his debut last year and is yet to feature in the first team in 2023, with shirt number 32. Armstrong was recently named in Yorkshire’s squad for the upcoming Academy Origin.

The first of this year’s three-match series takes place at Castleford’s Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Friday, April 28 (7pm kick-off).

“It’s not great news for Charlie,” Smith explained. “We are hopeful it doesn’t need an operation and it can be looked after without the need for that.

“We’re trying to keep positive for him.

“Kye’s jaw shouldn’t be too bad. He’s been cleared of any breaks and should be available any time soon.”

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