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Rugby League

Hull ace Horne could return from neck injury in Cup final

25/08/2008

Hull star Richard Horne could make a shock return from injury in Saturday's Challenge Cup final against St Helens.

The Great Britain international has been out for four months with a serious neck injury, after banging his head into an opponent’s leg in a game against Bradford.

Horne, who was in a neckbrace for three months, could now return to play alongside brother Graeme.

Hull coach Richard Agar admits it is a massive gamble to choose the 26-year-old at Wembley.

"The neck is fine and 100 per cent but he has lost a lot of weight. He's well underdone in terms of conditioning, so it would be a very calculated risk should we play Richard," Agar said.

"We will take some guidance from the player himself on whether he's mentally ready, but I think he's been in the game long enough to know he would only go out there if he was confident he could be an effective player.

"I have a lot of faith in Richard to make the right decision."

Hull, who beat Harlequins 26-6 on Friday, have been decimated by injury for much of Super League season.

Full-back Motu Tony was carried off during the win at the KC Stadium and could now be doubtful for Saturday, while scrum-half Adam Dykes continues to struggle with a quad problem.

Todd Byrne (knee), Garreth Carvell (groin) and Matt Sing (quad) are also hoping to prove their fitness.