Foster has plenty to prove as Hull derby debut looms

The prolific England Knights wideman, 21, has agreed a one-month loan deal after Hull coach Peter Gentle moved to ease his crippling injury crisis.

Goal-kicking Foster scored 25 tries last term but has endured a startling fall from grace since losing his place when Saints sacked coach Royce Simmons in March.

However, with young Hull three-quarter Ben Crooks the latest to go under the knife for a knee problem, Gentle has given him chance to resurrect his stalling career.

“With Ben facing surgery which we couldn’t delay any longer, we felt it was important to try and bring somebody in with the deadline approaching,” he said.

“To land a player of Jamie’s calibre is a real coup.

“He had a fantastic season last year for Saints, scoring plenty of tries as well as being an accomplished goal kicker.

“He is a talented youngster with pace and an eye for a try and he comes here with a point to prove so we look forward to seeing him in the black and white of Hull.”

Foster’s pinpoint accuracy with the boot is principally the biggest plus for Hull after they lost regular goalkicker Danny Tickle for the season due to injury.

Former Hull scrum-half Sean Long has come out of retirement to aid Salford City Reds’ own personnel problems.

The ex-St Helens and Great Britain scrum-half quit his trophy-laden career last August following an injury-hit two years at the KC.

He joined Salford as assistant coach where he has been praised for the club’s attacking style under Phil Veivers this term.

However, after they sold Matty Smith to Wigan Warriors a fortnight ago, they are now struggling for half-back options.

Subsequently, Long – who turns 36 in September – could tonight make an unexpected City Reds debut against one of his former clubs, Widnes Vikings.

Wakefield Trinity hooker Paul Aiton is out for up to two months – after being mugged in Spain and suffering a broken jaw.

The Papua New Guinea international has been one of the club’s most consistent performers since joining from Cronulla Sharks.

Coach Richard Agar has recalled Andy Ellis from his loan spell at Featherstone Rovers ahead of Sunday’s game at Huddersfield Giants.

Their new coach, Paul Anderson, has stripped Kevin Brown of the Giants captaincy as he continues to stamp his authority.

Assistant Anderson was promoted to the head role on Monday when Nathan Brown was released from his contract early following a string of poor results.

The departing Australian had admitted players had forced him to change his tactics and personnel ahead of Sunday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington Wolves which they lost 33-6.