Injured Hull KR star offers recovery timeline as Warrington Wolves flyer gives surgery verdict

Ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final between Warrington Wolves and Hull KR, two players who missed out have given injury updates.

Injury news dominated the pre-game talk with questions over whether George Williams would return in time following surgery, whereas Willie Peters had thrown a spanner in the works with the suggestion that Micky McIlorum would return.

The veteran hooker did in fact return, playing just eight weeks and one day after a torn bicep that was expected to sideline him for 12 weeks. McIlorum had been one of three long-term injuries for Hull KR but another of those players was at Wembley and gave an update ahead of the final.

Centre Oliver Gildart started the season in electric form but suffered a knee injury just five minutes into the clash with Salford Red Devils at Magic Weekend, something which the club confirmed would be a 16-week recovery.

Speaking ahead of the Challenge Cup Final, the Hull KR man said: “I’ve just come out of the straight leg brace. I’ve been none weight-bearing for a couple of weeks but I’m back in a 60 degree (brace) now.

“There’s still a few months away yet, I’m hoping the last couple of games of the regular season to be back for.”

Warrington Wolves winger gives injury update ahead of Hull KR clash

With Hull KR very likely to be in the play-offs at the end of the season, it would be a major boost to get Gildart back for a couple of regular season games and get minutes into his legs before that play-off charge.

One man who won’t be playing in the play-offs, regardless of whether his club make it or not, is Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton with the England flyer suffering a season-ending injury earlier this year.

It means Ashton will miss the rugby league Ashes against Australia with his recovery set to head into 2026 and he provided an update, having just had ACL surgery.

He explained: “It’s been a tough week but I’m slowly getting there. I’ve got a good support group around me who have helped me through it a lot.”

Ashton also pointed to how important it was for him to make it to the Challenge Cup Final to support his Wire teammates, especially after their 2024 defeat at Wembley.

The winger explained: “Today is one that I couldn’t miss so I’m glad I made the trip down yesterday and I can’t wait to watch the boys now.

“It hurts but you’ve got to change your mindset completely and think team first so you’ve got to be positive around the boys.

“I was desperate to get here myself and put the wrongs right from last year but I’m just hoping the boys can do that.”