Post by tigertiger on Jul 3, 2009 14:48:14 GMT
MOTU Tony's season - and his Hull FC career - has been left hanging in the balance after suffering a freak injury.
The 28-year-old full-back, who recently returned from a long-term knee injury, has been sidelined again following a suspected insect bite.
He is now a major doubt to return before the end of the season
And with his contract ending this year, he may also have played his last game for the Black and Whites.
"This is terrible news" coach Richard Agar told the Mail.
"Motu was very much playing his way into full fitness after a terrible knee injury.
"With the timescale on the season now, it would suggest it is going to be very hard to get him back on the pitch this season."
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Tony first complained of a sore ankle following Hull's loss at Warrington last Sunday.
The following day he underwent surgery after attending hospital with a swollen ankle.
Now, the 28-year-old Samoan faces a second operation to determine the full extent of his injury.
"The first thing is to get the infection out, then a couple of weeks down the line he will have to have an exploratory operation to find out the extent of the damage which may have been caused to his ankle" Agar said.
"The problem is, even within the short time that we got it sorted, these infections can potentially do damage to your joints and your ligaments."
The Mail understands no negotiations have so far taken place between Tony and Hull over extending his time at the club.
And Jordan Tansey's arrival next season after impressing at full-back for the Sydney Roosters, combined with Richard Horne's performances in the role, leave Hull with options.
Asked about his future, Agar declined to discuss the matter, saying the focus for Tony and the club is making sure he regains fitness as soon as possible.
Tony has made a big impact at the club since signing from Castleford at the end of the 2004 season.
The former New Zealand Warrior was a try scorer in Hull's 2005 Challenge Cup Final triumph over Leeds, and was then handed the full-back role following Shaun Briscoe's switch to Hull KR.
The last two years have been beset by injury, however, missing last season's Challenge Cup final against St Helens, and making just five appearances this season.
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Great servent to the club and if this is the end of him at Hull FC then i'd like to say well done on a great few years with us and good luck for the future
The 28-year-old full-back, who recently returned from a long-term knee injury, has been sidelined again following a suspected insect bite.
He is now a major doubt to return before the end of the season
And with his contract ending this year, he may also have played his last game for the Black and Whites.
"This is terrible news" coach Richard Agar told the Mail.
"Motu was very much playing his way into full fitness after a terrible knee injury.
"With the timescale on the season now, it would suggest it is going to be very hard to get him back on the pitch this season."
Article continues
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Tony first complained of a sore ankle following Hull's loss at Warrington last Sunday.
The following day he underwent surgery after attending hospital with a swollen ankle.
Now, the 28-year-old Samoan faces a second operation to determine the full extent of his injury.
"The first thing is to get the infection out, then a couple of weeks down the line he will have to have an exploratory operation to find out the extent of the damage which may have been caused to his ankle" Agar said.
"The problem is, even within the short time that we got it sorted, these infections can potentially do damage to your joints and your ligaments."
The Mail understands no negotiations have so far taken place between Tony and Hull over extending his time at the club.
And Jordan Tansey's arrival next season after impressing at full-back for the Sydney Roosters, combined with Richard Horne's performances in the role, leave Hull with options.
Asked about his future, Agar declined to discuss the matter, saying the focus for Tony and the club is making sure he regains fitness as soon as possible.
Tony has made a big impact at the club since signing from Castleford at the end of the 2004 season.
The former New Zealand Warrior was a try scorer in Hull's 2005 Challenge Cup Final triumph over Leeds, and was then handed the full-back role following Shaun Briscoe's switch to Hull KR.
The last two years have been beset by injury, however, missing last season's Challenge Cup final against St Helens, and making just five appearances this season.
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Great servent to the club and if this is the end of him at Hull FC then i'd like to say well done on a great few years with us and good luck for the future