Jake Connor being considered for shock Hull FC return ahead of injury schedule

Jake Connor could be in line for a shock return to action when Hull FC face Castleford Tigers this Friday. Hull Live understands the fullback is ahead of his scheduled return and could possibly feature in the 21-man squad ahead of the pivotal play-off clash at the MKM Stadium.

It's been just over six weeks since Connor limped off during the club's defeat to Wakefield Trinity. He suffered a medial ligament strain that the club said was expected to keep him out of action for ten to twelve weeks. But Connor has recently been seen without the knee brace that he first wore after the injury and now it's thought a shock return to the field is drawing closer.

It's inevitably an enormous boost for the Black and Whites, who have suffered greatly without their talismanic star. They surrendered the lead they held before Connor's injury against Wakefield and have since won just one of five league games. They have been kept to nil twice in that run too.

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He was the competition leader for direct try contributions before his injury and currently stands fourth, with only Bevan French, Jai Field and Jack Welsby providing more. That's despite the fact he has practically missed a third of the season.

It won't be the first time this year Connor has defied the odds to return earlier than expected. He was supposed to miss the opening two rounds of the campaign after fracturing his hand in a pre-season game with Leeds. However, he was cleared to play in the round one win against Wakefield.

It will suddenly leave Brett Hodgson with some selection issues in his spine. The club has recruited Will Smith, a utility back from Australia for the remainder of