Hull FC not ruling out Jack Walker return as Simon Grix looks for key balance

Simon Grix has admitted that Jack Walker was 'in the conversation' to return to the Hull FC full-back spot against Warrington Wolves, with the 24-year-old playing an influential role for the reserves prior to the clash.

Walker has turned out for the reserves in recent weeks, playing against Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos. He scored a try and assisted a couple of others in the win over the Rhinos.

In his absence, Logan Moy has starred in the first-team, producing a number of promising performances. The reigning Academy Player of the Year has shown plenty of encouragement. However, Grix is cautious about not pushing the teenager too far in what is a similar situation to Jack Charles earlier this year.

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel

So far, Moy has played seven Super League games, with Charles playing eight before stepping back into the reserves and academy fold. Walker, meanwhile, has missed the last four, with the Leeds-born talent waiting patiently for another opportunity.

"Wakka is definitely an option for us," Grix explained. "It's a really tough balance with Logan. He's a small fella; he's as brave as they come, and sometimes you have to protect people from themselves. Logan has probably played more than he thought he would already. It's a similar situation to what we had with Jack Charles.

"We thought about changing it for the Warrington game. Jack did really well for the reserves. He showed a great attitude, he led that team, and he had a really good go at it, but Moy's performance was so good against Leeds that it would have been really hard to leave him out of the team.

"However, there will come a point when, whether it's the next game or wherever, for Moy's benefit and Jack's benefit, Jack will play."

Grix also explained that Walker didn't do a lot wrong to be dropped in the first place, but after an indifferent performance against London Broncos, something had to give. The call was then made to bring in Moy, with the 18-year-old taking his chance.

"He didn't do a heap wrong, did Jack," Grix added. "It just happened to be after the London game, we had another full-back who was sitting and waiting and training well in the background, and after that game, not everyone was going to get the opportunity to play again.

"Moy came in after that and took his chance, but Wakka brings a lot to our game, and when he does get back in, I'm sure he will show us that. We do have to be careful, and there is a lot of thought that goes into how far we push these younger lads. We'll monitor both players and make a call again for our next game at Salford."

Read more: Denive Balmforth's Hull FC future in balance as club set to make key decision