Tickle to defy pain

The influential goalkicking forward was one of a number of Hull players hurt in last week's engage Super League defeat by Leeds, adding to a growing injury crisis at the KC Stadium.

Coach Richard Agar said: "'Ticks', we think, has got a fracture to his hand."

Prop Jamie Thackray and half-back Richard Horne both failed to finish the game - joining a casualty list that includes Ewan Dowes, Motu Tony, Mark Calderwood, Peter Cusack, Tom Briscoe and Danny Washbrook.

Agar this week signed prop Josh Cordoba on a short-term deal from Parramatta in an attempt to ease his selection problems and is also hoping Tickle will make Sunday's trip to The Jungle.

Agar added: "The doctors are having another look to see if it is a new fracture or an existing one that has inflamed. But he has a very swollen hand, and it is very painful at the moment.

"We are having a look to see if it settles in time and we are going to see if we can jab him and bandage him up to get him out there."

Thackray has been ruled out for four to six weeks with a torn hamstring, while Horne is being examined after a knock to the eye. Agar is optimistic Horne may get the all-clear but insists no risks will be taken. Full-back Tony is likely to be out for the rest of the season after undergoing a third operation to clear an ankle infection caused by an insect bite.

"He got stung by what must have been a Jurassic type of insect," Agar added.

"It is fairly serious and one that more than likely could rule him out for the rest of the year."