Herman aims to return as a better and stronger player

Herman Ese'ese is determined to come back bigger and stronger for Hull FC next year and is targeting an end of March return.

- By DAN TOMLINSON

The prop forward saw his 2025 season cruelly ended to injury at the end of last month, with the 31-year-old rupturing his Achiles tendon.

However, Ese'ese, confirmed into Super League's Dream Team this week after a superb season for the Black and Whites, is now three weeks post operation, with a successful procedure completed.

Walking in a moon boot and with the aid of cutches, the powerful front rower has no issues arise from surgery, and is now pain free.

The next step? A long rehab journey, but it's one the player, who is attacking his latest challenge in a typical relaxed manner, is ready to tackle head on.

"I'm pretty calm," Ese'ese told the Mail. "I'm positive. It's the first major injury of my career, but right now I'm calm and I'm looking forward to cracking on with my rehab and getting out there next season.

"I'll be pushing towards an end of March return. That's still early in the season, and I've got time now to improve myself both physcially and mentally and hopefully come back a better and stronger player.