Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson explains the reasoning behind Jamie Shaul's loan move

Brett Hodgson has explained the reasoning behind Jamie Shaul's loan move to Wakefield Trinity, indicating that a lack of opportunity at Hull FC was the catalyst for the decision. The 30-year-old will spend the rest of the 2022 season at the Super League strugglers.

Shaul was left out of Hull's games against Hull KR and Wigan Warriors, with Jack Walker getting the nod after arriving on loan from Leeds Rhinos. Walker starred on debut in a man of the match performance, with Shaul left out of the side again for last Friday's game at Wigan.

Both parties have therefore come to a decision that will see the fullback spend the rest of the season at the West Yorkshire club, with playing games now the focus for the Hull-born number one.

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"I think it's important that Jamie gets to have some game-time," Hodgson explained. "I had a conversation with him saying that we couldn't guarantee that at Hull FC.

"We've got Jack Walker who is playing well there and obviously Jake Connor is back to fitness. Will Smith who comes in soon can cover fullback, halves and hooker as well.

"It's best for both parties that Shauly moves on and gets that game-time. Wakefield will give Jamie that chance to play some regular minutes."

Despite the loan move and struggle for form and fitness over the year, Hodgson has insisted that no respect should be lost for Shaul, who scored two tries on his Hull debut at Wakefield nine years ago.

Shaul has been a fine servant to Hull, with injuries dampening his impact in recent years. The fullback suffered a serious ACL injury in 2020 and the season before that he had persistent problems with concussion. He deserves a break.

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