Comeback man Jake Trueman is so relieved to just be playing again that, for him, Hull’s ongoing drama has faded into the background.
The gifted stand-off enjoys his first start in nine months when they visit London on Sunday. He made his long-awaited return from a torn Achilles off the bench in last week’s loss at Warrington. Trueman was crocked versus the same opponents last August and had to watch on helplessly as FC endured a horrendous start to the new Super League season.
Boss Tony Smith’s been sacked, has come in as a shock director of rugby appointment, a raft of players have left and plenty have been signed, too. Trueman, 25, admitted: “It has been a bit weird with all the comings and goings. But I am just happy to be back playing. I played the second half and was fine.
“It turned out to be better than I had anticipated; I had no issues with the Achilles. It was excellent. Being able to play again and have no problems is a relief. I had never before pulled a muscle, but these past two were really bad. I’m hoping that my injuries are now healed. When rugby is gone, you do realise how much you miss it.
Considering that Trueman was still recovering from a knee reconstruction when Hull signed him from Castleford last year, he is definitely ready for a change of fortune. Before being cruelly sidelined again, he only managed to play in 15 games. However, the former tourist from Great Britain protested, saying, “That was positive because the injury wasn’t actually as bad as my knee.”
“It could not have gone any worse—it took almost 11 months to recover. When I first had to wrap my mind around everything, the first few days were rather difficult. But now that I’m back out there, everything is well. However, it’s reassuring to know that neither the staff nor any of the players are placing any pressure on me. All I want to do is try to reintegrate gradually. To regain my fitness and return to my peak, it will take four to six weeks.”
Simon Grix, the team’s interim head coach, is thrilled to see a player of his ability returning to lead his faltering squad. Their lone triumph in 11 games thus far came against Sunday’s opponents without a win, and even that was difficult—Hull barely prevailed 28–24 in March. Trueman stated: “That day, they almost defeated us.” Most likely, they ought to have defeated us.
They are a difficult team to play against and like to toss the ball around a little. It will be difficult because they also tend to do a little better down there.
Hull is presently in transition and searching for a new head coach, but their intention is indicated by the signing of Leigh captain John Asiata to a big contract for the upcoming campaign. Trueman acknowledged the atmosphere in the camp, saying, “It’s different. Naturally, I was devastated to see Tony go, and a lot has changed.
“But the club hasn’t played well since those Challenge Cup victories, so it’s definitely improvements off the pitch that we needed. We’ve been in need of some adjustments and a
