Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has provided an update on the health of Josh Charnley after he was taken to hospital on Friday night. Leigh overpowered Salford Red Devils last week to set up this Saturday’s Super League play-off semi-final clash with Wigan Warriors at the Brick Community Stadium.
However, the victory came at a price with Frankie Halton failing a HIA and Charnley, who touched down in the game, being stretchered off with what appeared to be a neck injury after tumbling awkwardly over the body of Ryan Brierley in the second half. Medical staff from both teams were required to treat Charnley before the winger was taken to hospital for further scans and assessment.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Lam will have been pleased to allay concerns of a serious injury. Unfortunately, though, the head coach did rule Charnley out of this weekend’s contest through concussion protocols.
“Josh failed the HIA the other night – a category one – which means he’ll miss 12 days, so he’ll miss this week,” Lam said, per Love Rugby League. “But health-wise, he’s okay, he’s up and moving. He’s been training with us so he’s in a good place.”
Leigh Leopards will be without Charnley then, but it remains to be seen if Kai O’Donnell will play. The back-rower missed last week’s clash with Salford due to an abdominal injury and Lam admits he will give him every chance to prove his fitness.
“With Kai, we are going to give him right up until kick-off to be available and to see where he sits,” Lam added. “He’s got to see a specialist towards the end of the week so all of that is in front of us so it’s a bit of a disrupted week for the group.
“He just got a whack in behind his ribs, so he’s got bruised ribs and it’s bruised his kidney as well, so we’re just waiting to get a second opinion from the specialists at the back end of the week.
“He’s a tough player and the ultimate professional. I’d question if there is anyone more professional than him in the game in Super League over here, it’s obviously not sat well with him and it’s one that got him right in the last minute of the game against St Helens, so it is what it is at the moment.”
