John Asiata on managing his minutes, his influence on the Hull FC side, and going fourth time lucky against the Leythers.

05:00, 12 Mar 2026Updated 11:51, 12 Mar 2026

Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com – 05/03/2026 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 4 – Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC – The DIY Kitchens Stadium, Wakefield, England – John Asiata of Hull FC

John Asiata is expecting to play more minutes for Hull FC in the Challenge Cup this weekend and has full trust in the club’s plan as he builds his engine up after 26 weeks out.

Returning to the Black and Whites’ line-up for the first time in over six months, Asiata played the final 30 minutes of the York Knights game and got his first start at Wakefield Trinity last week. He played a further half an hour – a highly influential stint with two key try involvements – before returning to the field for a second 17-minute stint to finish the game.

Now that process is set to go up another level against former club Leigh Leopards on Saturday afternoon, but Hull are equally cautious not to push the player too far. And Asiata, keen to follow that path after admitting to Hull Live he did exactly that in-between his two hamstring injuries last season, is all for it. He knows it’s about longevity – and this is the best course of action to ensure he gets just that.

“I think that’s the plan,” Asiata replied when asked if he’d get another minute increase this week. “As a player it’s very hard to put a timeframe on how long you want to play during a game.

“For my case, they’re trying to really look after me and are slowly building my minutes. If it was up to me, I’d probably say just leave me out there. But I think this is one of those processes that I have to trust. They know what’s best for me at this time.

“From our discussions, I think every week it’s just going to build slowly. This week I might play sixty minutes. We’ll see how the game goes and how the body feels during the game. It can always change, but whenever they tell me to get ready to go back on the field, I’ll be ready.

“I’m feeling good now and I’ve had no hiccups. The biggest thing for me is two days post-game, seeing how the hamstring feels testing-wise. I’ve had no issues so far and I’m very happy with the way I’m progressing.”

Keen to get through games, in particular his second stints, Asiata has been going the extra mile to ensure he’s good to go. He continued: “I’ve been doing a little bit extra in between half time, and when I come off my first stint to make sure that I am still warm and moving. That’s played a big part in being ready to go back on in the second half.

“The second half was the place I did my hamstring in both Leigh games last year. I’ve just got to make sure I’m on top of that and that I don’t skip anything, but right now I feel really good and I’m in a good place.”

As for his performance against Wakefield, Asiata was content. He was Hull’s top forward metre maker on the night with 113, with Yusuf Aydin next best at 106. His passing link, as aforementioned, was also crisp, with the player confident he has the knowledge and experience in his role and knows how to play it, when to take control, when to run, and when to pass. For the vice captain, that variation is key, but he still believes he can go up another level.

“I really understand how I play the game now,” the loose-forward continued. “I’m not young anymore, and I pick my chances to play and my chances to run the ball. For me, the first few games were always going to be about how I can help control the game and how I can help communicate certain things to different players to make sure we’re organised.

“It wasn’t necessary about the big plays I can come up with. It’s just about making sure all of us in the middle can be in the right position for what we need as a team. But just to have a voice out there has been good.

“It just feels good to be out there and to be able to play again. I think defensively I’m still a bit off. I’m just flying in there; I’m full of energy and I want to get involved, but as the weeks go on, the timing, in my defence, will slowly come back, but other than that, I was happy with what I did.”

Gearing up for his third game back, Asiata is raring to rip in again, facing the club where he tasted Challenge Cup success back in 2023 – and going to the venue where he first tore his hamstring last year.

“I knew straight away what happened; I threw my gum shield and I swore a couple of times, which isn’t like me,” Asiata recalled on that first injury. “I didn’t finish that game and I didn’t finish the one at home as well, or the one in golden point. To be honest, I just want to make sure I finish this game and give it everything I’ve got to make sure we win.

“Of course, it’s always good to play against your old team, and especially given what we achieved over there. It’s always good to be able to go back and give your best game. Being a Challenge Cup fixture, it just feels fitting that we’re versing them to try and get our season back on track.

“It’s exciting. I love talking to those boys too over social media and text messages. I’m looking forward to going over there and enjoying the time on the field and hopefully coming up with the win.”