Tony Smith has confirmed that Kane Evans will play a part in Hull FC’s second and final trial game at Wakefield Trinity this Sunday.
The 31-year-old has been in rehab for a knee injury suffered at Huddersfield last August, but he’s now good to go after working hard this pre-season. However, the game will come too soon for Andre Savelio, who like Carlos Tuimavave, is targeting a round one return.
Elsewhere, Hull’s head coach also revealed a setback for Jamie Shaul who has a minor calf strain whilst Josh Griffin has a mild illness that’s kept him away from training.
“Kane if he stays fit this week during our training sessions, will probably play the last twenty minutes against Wakefield,” Smith told Hull Live. “They tell me that’s when the slowest part of the game is, I’m not so sure – there will be some young subs on. I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s probably a little bit soon for Andre. He’s pushing for round one. He’s like Carlos in that respect.
“Griff’s had an illness overnight. Hopefully, he’ll be back in on Wednesday and will play at the weekend. Shauly won’t. He’s tried to get back but his calf is just not right yet.
“You get to his age and it takes more time to heal up than when you’re younger. We were hopeful he would get a run out against Wakefield but that won’t be the case.”
With both Savelio and Tuimavave in full training, Hull’s rehab group is the smallest it’s been for months, perhaps even a year, with Jake Trueman joined by Shaul and young forward duo Charlie Severs and Kye Armstrong
Smith, meanwhile, is delighted to be working with almost the full makeup of his squad and will use around 21 players this weekend – including Ligi Sao and Liam Sutcliffe.
“Absolutely, it’s great,” Smith added. “We’re going in the right direction.
“I’ll have about 21 (to play at Wakefield). I’m going to play people for longer stints. They (Sao and Sutcliffe) will be starting.”