Ben Reynolds' big quality laid out as Simon Grix prepares for Hull FC returns

Simon Grix has confirmed that Ben Reynolds will make his Hull FC debut at Castleford Tigers this Friday night. The 30-year-old is set to slot in alongside Jake Trueman, with teenage half-back Jack Charles rested after several weeks in the first-team.

Slotting into full training this week after a minor wrist injury, Reynolds has brought plenty of communication to the Hull side, with Grix confident the player can lead his teammates around the field and get them the win they crave in West Yorkshire.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Grix said: "London was too soon for Ben, but he's good to go here. He's a competitor. He's been playing every play in training, and he speaks well.

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"He jumps on plays, he's taking chances, and he's creating opportunities, but his communication is the thing that has stood out, and having Brad Fash back in training out on the field, that's two vocal bodies that we have probably been missing.

"He's talking and bringing other people along. He's been impressive in that regard. We've had a handful of sessions so far, but things have looked pretty good with him."

Grix also confirmed that Tiaki Chan has been training with Hull this week, with the Wigan Warriors loanee set for a second appearance for the Black and Whites. Jack Ashworth and Harvey Barron are also good to go after playing for the reserves last weekend.

"Tiaki's loan is rolling on this week," Grix explained. "They are two weeks, and then they roll. As it stands, he's still with us but that can change pretty quick. I was quite impressed with him last week. He had some good energy about him. He's been good.

"Jack is ready. He has been working hard in the background. He looked like a first-team playing reserves the other day, which is what you'd hope for, but I could say that for all those young men. They all had good games, and getting Harvey back in there is good for his confidence.

"In pre-season, he started well, and then he got a hamstring injury. There's been a couple of niggles after that, then the fracture to his forehead. That was friendly fire with Lennon Bursell, but he's ticked the boxes, and he's worked hard. He's another kid busting for an opportunity. He's got some really good qualities and is one to hang a bit of hope on, I think.

"He's in the mix this week alongside Tom Briscoe and Lewis Martin. We'll make a choice about what we're going to do there, but obviously, three doesn't go into two. It's fair to say that Brisc is going to be playing as the senior member of that gang, but Harvey and Lewis have some clear directives on what they need to be good at to play in this team. They both work hard at it, and there's a bit of a battle going on there."

Brad Fash will also be given every chance to prove his fitness this week and return from an ankle injury that has kept him out since February. There is no guarantee, but the prop hasn't been ruled out either. However, the game will come too soon for Joe Cator, who has a back issue.

"We'll give Fash as long as he needs," Grix added. He's trained well this week, but we'll have to see how he pulls up from the increased load. We'll see how he is and make a call.

"Joe is struggling with a back issue, and we're getting to the bottom of what's going on there. He will miss Friday's game."

Elsewhere, Hull are without Carlos Tuimavave (hamstring), Mitieli Vulikijapani (ACL), Nick Staveley (ACL), and Cobie Wainhouse (ACL).

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