Hull FC captain Gareth Ellis out of Super League opener with Salford

Hull FC coach Lee Radford has confirmed he will be without captain Gareth Ellis for the start of the Super League campaign.

The 34-year-old has been given more time to make a full recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon and misses Friday's match at the KC Stadium.

Ellis is back in full training after spending eight months out, and Radford does not want to rush his forward into action.

"Gareth's been in full training for two weeks but we are trusting our staff to bring him back at the right time," Radford said.

Hull are likely to give debuts to new signings Mahe Fonua, Sika Manu, Frank Pritchard, former Salford prop Scott Taylor and Carlos Tuimavave but there is no place for former Leeds and Wakefield full-back Lee Smith, who is currently on trial at the club.

Salford could have as many as nine debutants after including newcomers Justin Carney, Mark Flanagan, Josh Jones, Phil Joseph, Craig Kopczak, Rob Lui. Ben Murdoch-Masila, Gareth O'Brien and Matt Sarsfield in their 19-man squad.

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