Hull KR have brought in Catalans forward Antoni Maria on an initial one-month loan in an attempt to ease their current injury crisis.
Maria, who has also played for Toulouse and Leigh, will help plug the gap left by injured front-rowers Mose Masoe and Mitch Garbutt.
Speaking to Hull KR TV, Rovers head coach Tim Sheens was clearly delighted to add the French international to his squad given their injury problems.
“It’s common knowledge that we’re in a bit of trouble with so many senior props out and made worse by Mitch Garbutt going in for surgery today (Thursday). It’s four weeks max, two if we’re lucky and we are underdone in that area.
“The owner and the club have given us an opportunity to look in the market which is not always easy around Easter but Catalans were good to us. He’s an experienced player and we are desperate for that within the group.
“Ben Crooks has played with Antoni at Leigh, as well as Josh Drinkwater last year too so he has friends here, James Webster has coached him too. He’ll settle in fairly quickly.
“Mose Masoe’s hand is in plaster, the surgery is complete. Everything is positive but it’s another month before he’s back. Ryan Lannon has trained fully today after foot surgery and we’re hoping he’ll be available for Sunday.”
