Hull KR new signing Frankie Halton faces spell on sidelines

For Hull KR new boy, Frankie Halton, he has been handed a Super League choice by Tony Smith.

But, after a devastating spell with the Featherstone Rovers, Halton will have to wait to make his debut for Rovers after tearing a pectoral muscle in training.

That will likely rule out the second-rower out of KR’s two friendlies against Dewsbury Rams and Huddersfield Giants and may even cost him a potential top-flight debut against Wigan Warriors.

And, in Smith’s pre-match press conference for that Dewsbury game this Friday, the head coach revealed how he suffered the injury.

“He was lifting weights and just felt a little strain,” Smith said.

“He’s got about a two centimetre tear in his pec. 

“If you ask Frankie maybe he can make round one, but if you ask my physio, it’ll be pushing it. 

“I’m hoping Frankie’s right – I usually listen to my physio but occasionally a player gets it right too.”

For Smith, Halton has been one of the shining lights in pre-season so far and has impressed the ex-Warrington and Leeds boss.

“He’s strong, our players struggle to put him to ground.

“When he carries the ball he’s a difficult person to tackle. 

“The other thing that has impressed me is his ability to learn – he came to us raw.

“He’s looked like somebody who has been at Championship level and not full-time.

“But, Frankie has just revelled in it, he’s been fantastic.”