Hull FC star Carlos Tuimavave is primed for return… and he has set his sights on Kirk Yeaman’s spot in the team.
The Samoan international has missed the last six weeks of action with a groin injury, but could return for the Magic Weekend showdown with city rivals Hull KR after being named in the 19-man squad.
After impressing for the club earlier in the season at centre, he eventually moved to stand-off and also earned praise for his performances as a playmaker.
Although he came to the club known for his exploits as a halfback, he is keen to return to the centre spot he featured in at the start of 2016.
“I’ve been aiming to come back fitter and stronger since picking up the injury and my main goal is to replicate the form I showed at the beginning of the year,” Tuimavave told the Hull Daily Mail.
“I’ve sat down with Lee (Radford) and I told him I think in the long-term I see myself as a left centre at Hull. That’s a decision he has to make. Playing left centre for this team suits the way I play. If I can get back in that position I’ll be happy. He (Kirk Yeaman) is doing really well but I think Kirk and I are different players. We both bring different traits to the team. It’s up to Lee.
“It’s going to be very hard to get straight back into the team, especially with the way the boys are playing at the moment.”