FC left with problem for derby half-back
SIMON Grix has confirmed it will be ‘very difficult’ for Hull FC to bring in a new half-back in time to play Hull KR in the 246th derby this Saturday.
FC were dealt a blow with the shock departure of Ben Reynolds on Monday, with the club now assessing their options for a replacement. There has been some outside noise that such a replacement could come externally, but Grix suggests that would be ‘tough.’
That means Hull will have to look internally, with Jack Charles looking to prove his fitness after picking up a knock playing for the academy on Saturday. Grix also confirmed t there are other options for Hull to look at.
Grix said: “This season, it’s very difficult (to bring someone in). We’ve had players outgoing, and for whatever reason, it’s tough to get them to come back the other way.
“Unfortunately, we’re in a position where other teams don’t want to help us or can’t. I’d hope it’s more they can’t help us. Everyone is going through their own stuff and issues with injuries and so on and so forth, so it’s difficult for other teams to let them out.
“That’s the position we find ourselves in. It is what it is. You’ve got to take your medicine when this happens and try to find that silver lining, which is that our young blokes are getting more game time. It can be too many at once at times, but we just have to get on with it.”
Hull had an understanding Reynolds would be on loan at the club until the end of the season.
However, Grix indicated it was the player who instigated a move to Featherstone, with the 30-year-old going to then-parent club KR to release him from his contract.
“It’s a bizarre scenario, to be honest,” Grix said on Reynolds. “It all happened very fast. I was absolutely oblivious. I probably found out 10 minutes before it ended up reaching the paper.
I’ve got a bit of a story, but it’s not for me to share. There was an understanding in place, but he has chosen to go his own way.
“It’s disappointing, the timing of it, but I’m not going to speak ill of Ben. I’m sure he’s got his reasons to move on and secure his future elsewhere. That’s his prerogative at the end of it all, but it is disappointing in what it means for us.
“We were only speaking last week about what Benny brought, how he’s freed Truey up a bit, and how Truey is finding his feet. Although it wasn’t perfect and we still weren’t where we liked to be, it was looking a bit more joined up, but again, it is what it is. We can’t drag Benny back in here and force him to play. We’ll move on.”