Hull FC could hand debuts to as many as three players at Leigh Leopards on Friday night after Andy Last named Lennon Clark, Ben Johnson and Joe Phillips in his 21-man squad.
Last made five changes to the side, with Ligi Sao, Brad Fash, Lewis Martin and Amir Bourouh unavailable because of injuries and Yusuf Aydin ruled out through suspension. Clark, a back row player, and Johnson, a centre, have been on the fringes of the first-team squad for the last couple of years, while Phillips moved from Goole Vikings in the off-season and has been working his way back from a stress fracture on his lower limb.
Last said the chance to bring in young players carried a lift beyond the individual milestone. He described the group as full of energy and enthusiasm and said the pair would be grateful for the chance after coming through the system. He added that if the youngsters were given their debut, it would also bring extra bite from the senior players and help galvanise the squad for a milestone night.
The selection comes at a difficult time for Hull, who are trying to manage a stretched squad while avoiding further setbacks. Herman Ese'ese is in the first team for the first time since rupturing his Achilles tendon last August, while Hugo Salabio has been recalled after a loan spell at Halifax Panthers. Will Hutchinson, Will Kirby, Callum Kemp and Lloyd Kemp are also in the 21-man group.
Last said Phillips is still a work in progress and has not yet hit the ground running after his move from Goole Vikings. He said the youngster picked up the stress fracture and is still building back toward full readiness, but remains around the first-team picture. He also said Salabio has benefited from regular Championship rugby, arguing that week-in, week-out games at a strong level are better than stop-start reserve fixtures.
The biggest management issue remains Ese'ese, who is back after a lengthy layoff but is not being rushed. Last said the coaching staff has had to balance Hull's need for him with the need to protect a player returning from a serious Achilles injury. If the three youngsters do get their chance at Leigh, it will come against the backdrop of a squad being forced to lean on youth, recovery and patience all at once.
