Dave Craven: Long deserves one more campaign to provide fitting finale

News that the gifted scrum-half, one of Super League’s finest exponents of all time, will miss at least three months of the season after dislocating his shoulder has set alarm bells ringing and not only at his present employers, Hull FC, who will miss him desperately.

His 18 months there may have been ruined by a succession of injury problems which have meant the Airlie Birds have not seen enough of one of the modern greats on the field since his high-profile move from St Helens but his class has always remained and they are a far superior side with him on board.

However, unless Hull make the play-offs – something they are easily capable of currently sat in the all-important eighth spot but a task which will be far harder without Long’s guidance – that may be it for the wickedly mischievous talisman. No-one is quite ready to entertain such a thought.

With Long’s contract up at the end of the season, by which point he will have turned 35, it remains doubtful whether the ex-Great Britain international will earn a new deal at the KC Stadium.

He had hoped to prove his worth in the coming months only to see his shoulder dislodge in excruciating circumstances as he made a typically brave tackle on Hull KR’s Ben Galea five days ago.

It was Long’s first game back since fracturing a thumb versus the same opponents on Good Friday.

Throw in the dislocated elbow suffered against Catalans Dragons last season when he also endured groin and calf injuries and it is easy to see why undecided Hull may opt against giving him a new contract.

But should that prevent others from seeking his services?

Anyone who witnessed Long’s performance in that Easter victory over Hull’s fiercest rivals will have acknowledged his kicking game can be as influential as it ever was during his 12 trophy-laden years at Knowsley Road as was his direction and organising capabilities as Rovers were systematically disected.

Richard Agar has a big decision to make on what happens next but no-one can doubt Long’s toughness.

He has borne the brunt of numerous bullying tactics throughout his career with brutish attacks from Willie Mason and Terry Newton the most obvious of heinous acts aimed at negating his constant threat.

Playing through the pain barrier of that wrecked hand to mastermind Rovers’ downfall on Good Friday was a more recent feat of his heroics and ample proof that the desire is as strong as ever.

He has also survived his own demons, coming through a three-month ban for betting against his own side in 2004, so he has the character and determination to emerge from this latest setback.

Speaking to the colourful character aboard a P&O ferry at Hull docks in pre-season, he was adamant he would know best when to retire and would make that decision whether to go on another year as this campaign progressed.

He always wanted to still be able to influence a game and he has, undoubtedly, proved he can still do that.

He could not have imagined such hardship and misfortune coming his way in this fashion but that footballing brain is as sharp as ever and the body will be willing again.

Agar admitted at the weekend after an unlikely derby defeat that his side was rudderless after Long’s departure. While Hull, who have signed Leigh scrum-half Jamie Ellis for 2012, may well not offer Long that contract, the ship certainly has not sailed.

Someone will surely persuade Long to stretch his marvellous odyssey into one more campaign and give everyone a more fitting finale.