Jamie Shaul reflects on the difficulties of overcoming his ACL injury

In Hull FC’s home win against Castleford Tigers back in October 2020, Jamie Shaul ruptured his ACL which resulted in surgery.

One of the most energetic full-backs in the league, Shaul opened up on what happened during the game against the Tigers and the injury that followed.

“I can remember returning a kick and I did a little step and tried to hand off the defender. I then got tackled and heard this pop.

“I went down and the physio came on to check me and I said that I’m okay. When I was up on my feet and running again it felt like my knee was giving away. I shouted to the physio if he could he strap it up but they dragged me off.

“I think that was a sign for them that they knew I had done my ACL but they obviously wanted to make sure first by getting it scanned before telling me. I then got the dreaded phone call telling me the news no player wants to hear that I’ve ruptured my ACL and my meniscus.

“What got me through it was thinking there are people out there getting worse phone calls and people worse off in life than me just getting injured and being out of the game for 12 months”.

The 29-year old looked back on the difficulties both mentally and physically he had to overcome to get back out on the field.

“It was very tough, it was the biggest mental challenge that I have ever had to face. I don’t think unless you have been in that situation and in those shoes you don’t understand how hard it is. I have seen many players that have done their ACL but the mental challenge is unbelievable.

“However, it is something that I am very proud of. Being able to come out of the other side and finally get back fully fit and back out on the field with the boys”.

After 10 months out of the game through injury, Shaul made his long-awaited return in the Hull derby at the end of August. Hull FC were victorious on the day winning 23-22 over near city neighbours Hull Kingston Rovers.

“Prepping for the game that week was strange as I hadn’t done it for 10 months. Getting in on the Monday knowing finally I have a game on the weekend to look forward to was great. I could have waited out the season and come back this season but it wasn’t something I wanted to do.

“I wanted to get a few games under my belt leading it to the 2022 season. I was scheduled to play the week previously against Warrington, but unfortunately, that got called off due to Covid so Rovers [Hull KR] was my first game back which I loved.

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