'Hull FC through and through' Simon Grix confirms young forward in contention for Super League debut

Simon Grix is considering handing out a debut to a young Hull FC player this weekend, with fiery academy forward Will Kirby in contention to play. The Black and Whites head to Salford Red Devils on Sunday afternoon, with the teenage talent training with the first-team this week ahead of a potential first Super League runout.

Hull have been hit hard in the forwards over the last two weeks, with Cam Scott, Jack Ashworth, and new signing Jed Cartwright all picking up injuries. That leaves Grix short on his options, with Kirby now in the conversation ahead of the trip across the Pennines.

Kirby, a regular for Francis Cummins' academy and reserve sides, has been in strong form this year. He was on standby for the England Academy squad, just missing out on selection, with Grix backing the 'Hull through and through' youngster to take his shot if chosen for the round 16 clash.

Speaking to Hull Live, Grix said: "Will was unfortunate not to represent England the other night. He's been really consistent. He's played really well and he's definitely in contention. That's not just by default because of the losses in terms of injuries, but at some point you've got to reward these kids.

"He's been doing really well. He's trained with us a couple of times this week and he's in our thoughts. We'll come to a decision on our last run which will be Saturday, but he's definitely within a shout and it'll be another good tale, I think, for another young local lad.

"The lads were taking the mick out of him earlier. His screen saver on his phone is a picture of him when he was four-years-old with the Airlie Bird. He's Hull through and through like Logan Moy, Jack Charles, and all of the lads who have played so far. It could be a good story. He's one for the future, though. Sure, he could come in and do a job for us, and we'll see what that looks like later in the week, but he's certainly one to keep an eye on."

Asked for Kirby's big strengths, Grix pointed to his toughness and competitiveness, with the forward already building a reputation as a fearless player, equally at home on the edge or through the middle.

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

Grix continued: "He's got a heap of development in him in terms of his skills and his understanding of the game in the role that he plays, but he's tough and he competes hard, which are two qualities that if you're going to get anywhere and have any longevity in your career, then they are two really important parts of it.

"You can add skill to people and you can improve people physically, but just carrying that little bit of grit and competitive nature about you, you've either got it or you haven't. It's a fight to get that out of some people but some people also come to training and they just look a bit different. Will has that intensity to what he's doing and you can see that in his games and with the way he plays. As soon as he crosses the whitewash, he's ready to go."

Elsewhere, Zach Jebson has a shout of playing this week. The forward has three first-grade appearances to his name this year and has also been going strong for the reserves in recent weeks.

"Jebbo is in consideration as well," Grix added. "He's been going well in the reserves and he'll also be part of the mix this week. We'll be using some young lads who have been training hard and doing really well in the reserves. As much as it's a dark cloud with the injuries, we have to view that as a silver lining. It will be tough for those young kids in the coming weeks, but it's all part of the learning curve, even if it's a steep one at times.

"We've managed to get settled of late and now we go back to that unsettled period again. It is what it is and it presents chances for other people. There are some young lads who have come in and done a great job this year and now more opportunities will come."

Read more: Jed Cartwight out with foot issue as serious injuries confirmed for Hull FC duo