Jack Ashworth targeting Hull FC first-team spot after recovering from 'freak' injury

Jack Ashworth is poised to make his Super League return for Hull FC against Castleford Tigers this Friday night. The prop forward made his comeback from a broken thumb for the reserves against London Broncos on Saturday, with Ashworth now targeting a spot in Simon Grix's first-team for the West Yorkshire clash.

Playing for around 50 minutes in two stints on the field, the front rower went strong on his return, carrying the ball hard and finding an offload as the reserves shined in a 10-try showing. However, it was more about the effort areas for the 28-year-old, who has prided himself on such traits since arriving at the club on a two-year deal this season.

Speaking to Hull Live after his comeback, Ashworth said: "It was good. It was all about getting out there and playing some good, quality minutes. I managed to do that, just getting that match fitness and sharpness under my belt. I really enjoyed it.

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"I always like to carry and find the offload, but for me, it was about doing all the little things and effort areas that people don't really see, like line speed and the ability to keep moving when the ball is going away from you. I'll look back on the video, and hopefully, I've done enough now to come in and offer something to the first team.

"My thumb is all fine; it feels strong, and I'm just happy to be back playing rugby. That's all I want to do. I feel good, and it's great to be back."

After missing Hull's last five games, Ashworth is ready to make his mark again after an injury that required surgery. Unfortunately, the severity was unknown when stepping out in the Good Friday derby, with the prop keen to play after missing the previous two games due to a harshly picked-up suspension.

"I did it in training a couple of days before the derby in a contact session," Ashworth explained. "It was a freak accident, but I'm proud to wear this badge and be part of Hull, and I wanted to put my hand up and play in the derby.

"In hindsight, I maybe shouldn't have done, but I always want to do my best for the club, for the fans, and for my family. It's all good now, and I'm looking forward rather than back."

And as for the reserves, Ashworth was grateful for the appearance, with the competition still having a long way to go to get to the levels aspired to throughout the game.

"It's definitely good for getting game time and for lads who aren't playing, but you need to be playing week in and week out to make the most out of it," Ashworth added. "It needs to develop, but I feel like I got what I needed out of it here, so I'm happy. It's on to Cas now."

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