Brett Hodgson lays down challenge to Jamie Shaul as Jake Connor ruled out

Brett Hodgson has challenged Jamie Shaul to step up and shine during Jake Connor’s lengthy absence. Connor has been ruled out for up to three months with the knee injury he picked up against Wakefield Trinity at Belle Vue last week and he won’t be seen again until the final few weeks of the Super League season.

His injury means someone else will get the chance to take on the full-back role over the next few weeks and it seems that man will be Shaul. The 29-year-old has been in and out of the Black and Whites side this season, with most of his game time coming on the wing.

However, it seems Hodgson will look his way to start at full-back this weekend against Catalans Dragons and he’s keen to see Shaul catch the eye in Perpignan and in the weeks to come.

“Jamie has got the opportunity now to step forward and show the class he possesses,” Hodgson told the club website. “He, and the other players around him, have got the quality to help us move forward and continue progressing as a group over the coming months.”

On Connor’s injury, Hodgson added: “Jake has sustained a grade two medial ligament strain, which is going to leave him sidelined for up to three months. Thankfully the injury doesn’t require surgery, so Jake will begin his rehab immediately.

“We’re thankful that he’ll potentially get the chance to feature again at the back end of the season for us.”

Elsewhere, the Black and Whites have confirmed that both Ligi Sao and Carlos Tuimavave should be fit to be involved this weekend. The pair missed last Sunday’s clash due to the injuries they picked up against Wigan Warriors last month, but they have both been selected in the 21-man squad and, all being well, they will feature at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.