WATCH: Hull FC boss Andy Last says absent Josh Jones still struggling with Covid

Hull were the first Super League club to suffer an outbreak when nine players and three members of their coaching staff tested positive after their game against Salford Red Devils on August 9.

Although most players swiftly returned to action after isolation, almost six weeks later Grand Final winner Jones still cannot complete certain types of training.

Last explained: “It’s been really frustrating for Josh.

“He was one of those who had Covid and has suffered quite significantly with it.

“He got a little bit of inflammation of the lungs and was out of breath and it had a big impact on him.

“So we’ve had to be very, very cautious and careful with how hard we push him as the symptoms have affected people differently.

“We’re just awaiting a couple more tests on Josh and hopefully we’ll get some positive news. Then he can come back into the fold and start that return to play protocol.”

Ex-St Helens star Jones, 27, was one of the club’s big off-season signings after joining from beaten Grand Finalists Salford.

Explaining the situation further, Last added: “I spoke to him during those two weeks of isolation and he was out of breath on the phone, out of breath walking up the stairs and finding it difficult just out in the garden with the kids.

“It is quite scary and we have just got to be conscious of the welfare of the player.

“We have to make sure we don’t push him too hard as that could end up being his undoing.

“It’s a difficult one. It’s not like a hamstring where you know it's going to be four weeks. This is very much seeing what he can tolerate in terms of physical work and what we can actually push.

“He got to the point where he was back in training with us and we were pushing him along thinking he might be back in consideration for playing.

“But then he had an adverse effect on how hard we pushed him and really struggled with some fatigue after it. He was very, very tired and it’s a bit of suck it and see now.”

Since playing against Salford - their first game after returning from lockdown - Jones has missed all of Hull’s next four matches.

“I've spoken to him and he's as frustrated as anyone,” added Last, ahead of tomorrow’s Challenge Cup quarter-final against Wigan Warriors at Salford.

“He wants to be out there and contributing to the team but we have to be mindful that his physical well-being and long-term well-being are right.

“As and when we can get him back in we will do and hopefully he can give us a good fresh body as and when that time comes.”

In terms of fresh bodies, Last - who confirmed Jones is the only player to have suffered to such an extent from Covid - says Marc Sneyd has every chance of playing tomorrow after being named in the 21-man squad sooner than expected.

He had been out with a knee injury suffered in the win against Huddersfield on August 30 and it was feared he could be missing for two months.

But the prolific half-back returned to full training on Wednesday and has shown no signs of issue with the injury.

With Albert Kelly now missing due to a hamstring problem, having the double Lance Todd Trophy winner back will be a significant boost for Hull’s hopes.

Last confirmed Connor Wynne would step in at full-back for Jamie Shaul (concussion) and Mahe Fonua is expected to play on the right wing with Ratu Naulago also injured.