Hull FC full-back Tony suffers injury blow
Friday, 02 May 2008 12:04
Hull FC full-back Motu Tony facing up to three months out after scans reveal he has suffered knee ligament damage
In-form Hull FC full-back Motu Tony could be out for the next three months after scans on his injured knee revealed he has suffered ligament damage.
The New Zealand international is set to see a specialist about the problem after being forced to come off in last weekend's 28-20 victory over Huddersfield Giants at the KC Stadium.
Hull coach Peter Sharp said the player would be out for a "significant" amount of time but refused to put an exact timeframe on Tony's recovery until he has undergone further tests.
"Motu has ligament damage and it will be a substantial spell on the touchline," he said.
"We will know more after he has seen the specialist next week."
Another antipodean, Australian wing Tony Byrne, is expected to deputise for Tony while he is out, meaning his countryman Matt Sing could be set to return to the starting lineup on the flank for the first time since Easter.
Sing broke his hand against Hull KR on Good Friday and is itching to return against Hull FC's local rivals when they face off in this weekend's Millennium Magic fixture in Cardiff.
"It has been very frustrating, especially coming into the season with an injury but hopefully my luck will change and I can have an injury-free run to the end of the season," the 33-year-old said.
"This is my last season and I'd just like the opportunity to finish in style and go out on a high note.
"I need to play regularly to do that so hopefully I have had my share of injuries for the season."