Championship star suffers stroke but has message for fans

Playing against Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and of course Super League and World Champions St Helens week in week out is the pinnacle for any British rugby league team, any European team for that matter as well just ask Toulouse Olympique last year.

Being able to compete with them is even better as we have seen from Leigh Leopards in 2023.

Owner Derek Beaumont has put so much money into making the Leopards a force in Super League signing the likes of Blake Ferguson, Caleb Aekins, Edwin Ipape and Lachlan Lam last year before bringing in Zak Hardaker, Ricky Leutele and others in 2023 and now sit 80 minutes away from Wembley as well as second in Super League.

But last year their ambition was matched by Featherstone Rovers who have frequently aimed for Super League promotion only to come up short.

In 2023 they are definitive favourites but they have a number of challengers and have suffered some huge setbacks in the shape of a number of long term injuries as confirmed by the club recently.

“We have picked up three injuries that look like big injuries,” Aaron Scholes said, the club’s doctor said on Twitter.

“Jack Bussey has had a successful operation on his syndesmosis injury and fractured fibula.

“His return to play time looks like being three months which would see him back before the end of the season.

“Josh Hardcastle’s injury is a fairly big injury with a lot going on with ligament issues and a couple of fractures in his knee.

“The specialist said he could be back within three months as well.

“Brad Day is a little bit lighter in terms of the injury. He has suffered a medial knee ligament injury and could be back within two months.”

Other than these long and complicate injuries, there is a blow to Junior Moors as well as he suffers a broken thumb:

“Junior Moors went off with a fractured thumb. He has had surgery this week and will see a specialist on Tuesday. It’s about a six-week mark to come back into training.”

However, the biggest blow has only such been struck. Not only is it a blow to the squad, it is an emotional blow as well for the club and players as Josh Hardcastle has suffered a stroke as confirmed by the club on social media shortly after we saw something similar with Leeds star Zane Tetevano.

The club said:

“Josh Hardcastle will be sidelined for a prolonged period having suffered a stroke last Tuesday. Josh is receiving support from the club as well as Rugby League Cares. Everyone at the club wishes Josh well in his recovery.”

Hardcastle has now made the following statement:

“I’m grateful for all the well wishes I’ve received over the last week. I’m recovering well and am getting support from the club and rugby league cares.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the Batley Bulldogs game next week, a game I’d have loved to play in.”