Hull KR will definitely be without one key forward this week against Bradford Bulls, and could miss a second player, should Dean Hadley fail to pull through training.
Hadley has today been sent for scans regarding a hamstring issue that he suffered in training, boss Willie Peters has confirmed today.
The back rower has been such an important figure for the Robins over the past two seasons, with his form in that period earning him a call-up to the 38-man England performance squad this season.
However, he could now be set for a spell on the sidelines, depending on the severity of the scan results.
Peters was unable to provide any clarity on whether Hadley would be fit for this week’s tie with Bradford Bulls, with the blow coming too soon before speaking to the press.
An indication will be initially provided when the 21-man squads are released tomorrow [Wednesday], before it will be confirmed on Friday evening when Peters confirms his side to take on what looks set to be a very depleted Bulls side.
The news came at the same time as Arthur Mourgue’s blow, with the full-back set for another lengthy lay-off.
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Hull KR prop to miss Bradford clash as boss issues update
Should Hadley miss this week’s game, he will be joining Sauaso Sue on the sidelines, after the veteran forward continues to struggle with a foot issue.
Peters confirmed that it was he who made the decision, not Sue, with the boss looking to put his player’s health first.
He said: “He’s going to need the week off this week. He battled through, but as I said afterwards, he’s too tough for his own good.
“He’s one of those where you need to sometimes make the decision for him. It’s best that he doesn’t play because it’s going to be an ongoing injury for him.”
Peters is hopeful that Sue will be back to face Catalans next week, but will give him the correct amount of time to fully recover.
“We’ve just got to see where he’s at,” the coach said. “e’s playing, but then he’s hobbling around after games. He needs a rest.”
In more positive news, Noah Booth is back in contention after passing his HIA protocols, whilst Rhyse Martin is set for a recall after being named 18th man last week.
On Martin’s absence last week, Peters said: “We’re picking on form. We’re picking each week on who we think is best suited. Whether you’re a senior player or a younger player coming through, we want to make sure that everyone knows that someone else can come in and take your position.
“I think it’s healthy for the club going forward. We’ve been loyal both ways in terms of player performance. Most of the players who play every week, they’ve performed at a high level.
“At times where players aren’t playing so well, you give them another opportunity. There’s different reasons for what goes into picking a team. They’re never easy choices.
“When you’ve got your full team to choose from, you want to be in that position. So, look, Rhyse will come back now that Jesse’s not in the side this week.
“Rhyse will come back somewhere, it just depends on what happens with Dean.”
