Jack Walker set for welcome Hull FC return with Simon Grix putting spots 'up for grabs' again

Jack Walker is ready to return to Super League action after playing forty minutes for Hull FC Reserves on Saturday afternoon.

The full-back has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury picked up against Catalans Dragons. However, after coming through unscathed against St Helens, Walker is now putting his hand up to play against Leeds Rhinos in what would be a welcome boost to the side this Sunday afternoon.

The Black and Whites host the Rhinos in their last home game for six weeks, with Walker gunning for his first appearance since the clash against the Dragons in Perpignan. The 24-year-old tore his hamstring that night, scoring a try with Tex Hoy, who left the club two weeks ago, and Logan Moy, one of the club’s rising young players, filling the void.

Speaking to Hull Live after his reserves comeback, Walker said: “It was a nice forty minutes just to get back out there, get a bit of physicality back, and some game fitness as well. It went alright. It was a good test for me.

“I've done my hammy a couple of times before, so I've been there and done that. I've just had to tick the boxes, and it's gone pretty smoothly. I felt good, and I'm ready for next week.”

Walker is now hoping to bring plenty of energy to Simon Grix’s outfit should he be selected, with energy being something that has stepped up across the board in the interim head coach’s time in charge so far.

"Grixy has been spot on,” Walker explained. “Everything has stepped up a gear. There is no slacking, and he picks up on you straight away if something isn't good enough.

“Training has gone up a gear intensity wise, and that will only benefit us in games. If something is not right, it will get pulled up. That's the way it needs to be.

“I guess when you get a new coach, you need to do that, as it's all re-set, and positions are up for grabs again. We all know Friday night's result wasn't great, but there are a lot of young lads out there, and as soon as we can get a full strength side back playing, hopefully we can get going again.

“But as for Grixy, it’s not easy stepping in, and he can only do his best. So far, at least for me, especially with training and all that stuff, it's going in the right direction."

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And as for those young players, Walker has been impressed with what he’s seen, with Moy also joined by fellow teenagers Jack Charles, Lewis Martin, and Zach Jebson in the side at St Helens.

“It's been good for those young boys, and it’s what they need in order to develop,” he said. “Maybe not under the circumstances of getting beat by so much, but they need to get as much first-team game time as they can.

“You have to get used to how quick Super League is and how physical it is. It will only benefit them, and it's just good to be around. Of course, there are things to learn, but the only way to do that is to play.”

Elsewhere, Hull will be able to call on forward duo Jack Brown and Ligi Sao for the Leeds clash after the duo served their one-game suspension. Jayden Okunbor and Liam Tindall are also options having played for the reserves, while Jake Trueman is still one more week away, with the half-back targeting the Warrington Wolves game for his return.

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