Hull FC face Tex Hoy snag as Kalyn Ponga injury threatens transfer pursuit

Hull FC target Tex Hoy could play for Newcastle Knights in the NRL this weekend after Kalyn Ponga was ruled out with concussion. The star fullback copped a knock whilst playing for Queensland in Sunday's second State of Origin match.

Ponga was taken from the field after a tackle from New South Wales half back Nathan Cleary, and due to concussion protocols, he will now miss the Knights' game against the Gold Coast Titans this Friday. That could open up a spot for Hoy at fullback, who Hull Live reported last week is on Hull FC's radar.

We understand talks have taken place between the club and the players' representatives, but that's all they are thought to be at this stage. The Black and Whites will face some stiff competition from NRL clubs to secure their man, who are also thought to be taking interest in the 22-year-old.

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Hoy has been playing for Newcastle's New South Wales Cup side in recent weeks and his potential NRL inclusion would obviously delay any hopes Hull had of getting him to the U.K for the rest of this season.

Brett Hodgson told Hull Live after last Friday's game that the club are looking at the market to bring a new player in as soon as possible. "We're trying to bring someone in who can cover the Josh Reynolds decision, but that might take a little bit more time," he explained.

That period of time could now be more than anticipated given that game three of Origin takes place in just over two weeks. The sport doesn't muck around with concussion injuries these days, and Queensland coach Billy Slater could ask the Knights to hold Ponga back given the importance of the Origin decider, which therefore could give Hoy a run in the