Hull FC’s shortage of props has led them to turn to their captain, Gareth Ellis, when they face Widnes Vikings on Sunday.
The Black and Whites are without Mickey Paea (suspension), and the injured trio of Garreth Carvell, Josh Bowden and Chris Green. Iafeta Paleaasina is the only recognised prop who has a shot of being available, with Radford set to name his 19-man squad later today.
That could mean Ellis – and several other forwards – will have to deputise in the pack – but head coach Lee Radford still believes his side have enough to get the job done.
We are not denying the fact we are short of numbers, but what we have is a situation that tests your squad and gives an opportunity for some of our blokes to seize an opportunity,” Radford told the Hull Daily Mail.
“We are hoping Feka pulls through for Sunday which will give us sufficient cover up there. In 2007 we had 13 players out at one point, so this is nothing new to this club. It’s time for others to step up and seize the day.
“We put Gareth Ellis in the middle for a period of the game last week against Castleford and I thought he did really well, so there’s no doubt he’ll have to go up there again this week.
