Hull FC host Leeds Rhinos on Saturday, with Herman Ese’ese counting one big comeback.
Hull FC prop Herman Ese’ese.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC are hoping to welcome back Liam Watts to their matchday side against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday afternoon, with Herman Ese’ese calling his last appearance for the club ‘inspiring.’
Watts started alongside Ese’ese in victory against Leigh Leopards earlier this month, rolling back the years in what was a stellar performance. But he missed Friday’s narrow defeat at St Helens after failing an HIA against the Leythers.
Meanwhile, Hull still hold sixth position in Super League following Wigan’s win over Leigh on Sunday, with Ese’ese encouraged by what he saw last time out from Watts, who, without Liam Knight, has a huge role to play in the final four regular season games of the year as Hull look to finalise a top six place.
The club are also hoping for positive news with Sam Eseh, who missed the Saints clash with a hamstring issue, with Watts, out of contract at the end of the season, seemingly the likelier of the duo to return to action this week.
“That was vintage Jud,” Ese’ese said on Watts’ display against Leigh. “I’ve seen his highlights back in ’16 and ’17, and him, Scott Taylor, and Danny Houghton – they were probably the best in the comp back then.
“And to see Wattsy go out there – he’s 35 now – and play the way that he did, there were a lot of key efforts from him that he produced and it’s inspiring when you have someone like that who is still going at that age and showing the boys how it’s done. It was awesome to start with him.
“He’s a player I’ve got a lot of respect for. Everyone knows how important Knighty is to the team and he was playing really good football before he got injured, but to have someone with the quality of Watts step in – he’s been around for years – and to have him fill that role, he did a really good job. It’s good to have experienced players around.”
Watts’ return will be even more welcome after John Asiata was ruled out for the season last week. The veteran prop can play the middle link and offer a ball-playing threat in the loose forward’s absence.
“He’s probably our most influential player,” Ese’ese said of Asiata. “It showed out there in the two games, especially that first half against Leigh; he just took control. He had it on a strong and he controlled the game really well.
“He ran the ball hard but it’s the things people don’t see behind the scenes. He’s a real leader, he’s professional, and he helps out when he can with the young fellas. He’s a really important person to have to build that culture. We just have to step up now. We’ll be confident in whoever fills that jersey.”
Of course, big injuries are nothing new to Hull this year. The likes of Will Pryce are also sidelined, with John Cartwright not able to field his strongest side all season.
“We haven’t really fielded our strongest 17 since those pre-season games,” Ese’ese said. “We haven’t had the chance to because of injuries – that’s part of rugby league, though, and that’s why it’s important to have depth. That’s something we didn’t have last year but we’re near the business end of the season now and we’re fully confident in the players who are stepping in.”