The former Parramatta loose forward has been ruled out of the rest of the season after dislocating his elbow for the second time in 12 months.

Smith suffered the injury in Sunday's 60-16 win over Salford.

He will miss the remaining four rounds of league matches as well as the club's bid to reach the Old Trafford Grand Final.

"It's a major blow because he's a world-class player and you can't replace players of that calibre," said director of rugby Shaun McRae.

"But we have played a few games this year without him and won and it gives someone else an opportunity."

Meanwhile, Hull will not rush into appointing a replacement for assistant coach Tony Anderson, who was appointed head coach of his old club Halifax Blue Sox on Monday.

"There are only four games to go plus the play-offs so there is no need to rush somebody in," said McRae.

"We will look to recruit someone in the off season."

The workload will be shared out between McRae and backroom men Steve Crooks and Bill Mallinson.