Carlos Tuimavave set for Hull FC return as Brett Hodgson provides mixed injury news

Carlos Tuimavave is set to make his long-awaited return to the Hull FC squad in Saturday's Challenge Cup with Sheffield Eagles. The star centre has missed the entire season with a hamstring problem but head coach Brett Hodgson confirmed he would feature in the last 16 tie.

Tuimavave has been named in two 21-man squads so far this season, first against Wakefield and for the Salford Red Devils clash last month. But Hodgson confirmed it would be third-time lucky for the Samoa international.

When asked about Tuimavave's chances of players, Hodgson said: "He's looking good at the moment so I'd assume so, yes.

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"It's great, we've missed him in the first six weeks. He's a big part of our team and such a good player for us. We've had a number of players come in and do a good job for us to be fair but the calibre of player he is, we've missed him on the field. He's worked hard and we're looking forward to getting him on the field.

"He's done a lot of work, had we needed we could have pushed him last week but we decided to give it another week and it's worked out a good thing."

However, the game will come too early for both Josh Reynolds and Darnell McIntosh. The duo are closing in on returns from elbow and calf injuries but won't be ready to take on the Eagles.

"Too early for those boys," Hodgson said. I doubt he'll (Reynolds) figure next week, potentially the week after, it's one of those things."

On McIntosh's chances of returning last week, Hodgson was more optimistic. "Possibly, there are a few things he has to do between now and then, he's to get a few more sessions under his belt and one after the next he pulls up with no issues and