Simon Grix has outlined the reality of Hull FC's current situation, with the club now relying on their academy promotions for 2025 in order to name a 21-man squad ahead of Sunday's game at Leigh Leopards. Grix will be forced into five changes at least when naming his squad on Friday. Jake Trueman has been ruled out with an Achilles injury, while Hull are also without Matty Laidlaw and Ed Chamberlain to failed HIAs during last week's game against St Helens.
Jordan Lane and Brad Fash are suspended. Set to debut, Sam Eseh will be one change, with the loan prop arriving from Wigan Warriors last week. Jed Cartwright is also set to come in.
Elsewhere, Herman Ese'ese was named last week along with Will Kirby and Jack Charles, meaning there are still spots to fill to get to the full 21. They could be taken by Ryan Westerman and Will Hutchinson, two academy stars who will graduate from the academy into the first-team next season. Cl ick here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel Outlaying the situation, Grix said: "It's tough, there's a couple more of those young lads who could play between now and the end of the year but as I've said before, the ideal scenario is to bring them in alongside 15/16 senior and experienced players who can help them through.
We don't have that luxury. "It is what it is. But if you ask Charlesy or any of those young lads, they want to play, regardless of what we think.
Charlesy will play. He's done a good job for us this year. But .