Bullock stays, but Russell goes back to Warrington
TONY Smith has confirmed that Joe Bullock will remain with Hull FC on a week-to-week basis.
He will be available for the Super League clash against Leigh Leopards this Saturday, but not for the Challenge Cup round the week after.
After the cup round, Hull and parent club Warrington Wolves will make a further decision on the prop forward, but if the deal still suits both parties, then Bullock will be involved in Hull’s next league fixture against Hull KR on Good Friday.
Smith also praised the conduct and performance of the 31-year-old, who has come off the bench in Hull’s last two matches against London Broncos and Catalans Dragons.
Confirming the loan situation, Smith said: “We’ve still got Joe Bullock with us and we’re grateful for that. He’s doing a good job for us. The loan is on a week-to-week basis now.
“The following week we’re playing in the cup so we won’t be playing Joe, but if he’s still available to us after the Challenge Cup, then we’ll assess that and work out if he continues with us or whether Warrington need him back.
“He’s a good pro and he’s played tough. He’s a no-nonsense player. He gets out there and does his job.
“He’s been doing it well. He’s added some size and impact for us off the bench. He’s been good.”
Smith also confirmed that Matty Russell has returned to Warrington to assess the severity of a pec injury.
The winger suffered the knock in the first half of Hull’s defeat in Perpignan last Saturday.
“Matty was terrific until he got injured,” Smith added. “I don’t know the grading of it but he damaged his pec. He’s back with Warrington with their medical staff.
“We’re very sorry that he’s gone back with an injury. That wasn’t the intention. He was here to play himself into form so he could go back and play for his parent club.
“We’re disappointed for Matty, and for Warrington. We’re grateful for the loan but it’s part of our sport sometimes that it doesn’t always go as planned.”