Amid having just 19 available players this week, Bradford Bulls boss Kurt Haggerty is pessimistic that any new recruits will come through the door ahead of the deadline later this week.
Bulls suffered a number of injuries in last week’s defeat to Wigan Warriors, including to star man Ryan Sutton, who Haggerty has confirmed will need to sit out of this week’s trip to Leigh Leopards.
The boss confirmed to BBC Radio Leeds that Sutton won’t play, admitting: “He’s not got a fracture, but it’s pretty bad in regards to the ligament damage. Hopefully he’ll be back for Toulouse.”
Elsewhere in the squad, Luke Hooley went down with a nasty-looking ankle injury, but Haggerty has thankfully confirmed it isn’t as bad as first thought.
“Luke Hooley looks okay, there’s nothing serious in the MCL. He’s 50-50 whether he plays this week,” the boss said.
One man who will miss this week’s game is Phoenix Steinwede, who failed a HIA in the game.
Commenting on other players in the group who are in doubt, Haggerty explained: “Waqa Blake trained and said his knee is okay. His back is a little bit stiff, but he did the full session.
“Joe Mellor [quad] hasn’t trained today, and will be touch and go whether he plays or not. Ebon Scurr [illness] had his first day back today, and he’s been okay.
“I can’t look past this week, but at the moment, we’ve probably got around 19 [available players] right now.”
Bradford Bulls boss offers transfer latest ahead of deadline
Clubs have until Friday to register any players they wish to use between now and the end of the season, but with injuries rife around Super League, not many, if any at all, are willing to let their players head out on loan.
On any potential incomings, Haggerty said: “It’s very highly unlikely anybody will come in this week.”
The Bulls recently had Wakefield hooker Tommy Doyle on loan, but he has since joined York Knights on a permanent deal, whilst Leigh Leopards are looking to give Keanan Brand and AJ Towse game time as part of their return from injury, but Adrian Lam revealed on Tuesday that he would like the pair to do that outside of Super League.
