INJURED SHAUL HAS BIG FC ROLE
BRETT Hodgson insists Jamie Shaul still has a big role to play at Hull FC despite being expected to miss most of the 2021 campaign.
The full-back ruptured his ACL in the victory over Castleford Tigers in October and underwent surgery to fix the issue a month later.
Hence, while his team-mates started pre-season last Monday, Shaul is working closely with the club’s physio and medical staff in order to build strength back up in his knee.
Unfortunately, despite the 28-year-old making good progress in his recovery, he isn’t expected to feature again until the back end of the season at the earliest.
Hodgson is more than aware of the mental challenges such long-term injuries can pose to players but he’ll be doing everything in his power to involve and look after Shaul in the coming months.
“He is progressing really well and he’s working hard,” Hodgson told the Mail when asked about Shaul’s injury.
“Jamie is an exceptional individual both on and off the field. I have a lot of time for Jamie and we will continue to develop his knowledge of the game while he’s injured.
“What we don’t want is for Jamie to feel like he’s isolated from the group and training by himself.
“We’ll continue to use Jamie in and around educating the younger players as well and growing his game so when he comes back at the end of the year he can offer a lot for us.
“I’ve spoken to Jamie a couple of times and at the moment he’s doing really well.
“We’ll make sure we’re here for Jamie not only as a footballer but also as an individual in our organisation because ultimately we want to make sure he feels safe and secure and protected in his role at the club.”