Round 22 of Super League was another intriguing one as we moved a step closer to finding out how the table will look come the end of the campaign.
Hull KR were the big winners of the round as they beat Wigan Warriors 10-6 at the Brick Community Stadium on Friday night. That result means they now sit six points clear at the top of Super League and with five games remaining, they are well and truly in the driving seat as they bid to claim the League Leaders’ Shield.
Leeds Rhinos and St Helens are now just two points behind Wigan in the league table following their respective wins over Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants, while Leigh Leopards remain three points behind the top two pace after losing to Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.
Salford Red Devils’ cancelled fixture against Wakefield Trinity marred the week it’s fair to say, with the club taking the decision to pull out of the fixture. But, Warrington Wolves managed to keep their slim hopes of claiming a play-off spot alive by coming from behind to beat Catalans Dragons.
The round came at a cost for a number of Super League clubs though as key men picked up injuries throughout the competition. Here’s a rundown of the injuries we saw in round 22.
Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors men amongst players sweating Super League disciplinary
Super League injuries in round 22
Hull FC were arguably the most impacted by injuries over the weekend. The Black and Whites claimed the win over Leigh and they had to overcome plenty of adversity to do it with key men dropping like flies at times.
Cade Cust passed a HIA which will come as a relief, but John Asiata could be set to miss Friday’s clash with St Helens after tweaking the hamstring injury he has just returned from. Will Pryce sustained a foot injury and could be seen on crutches after the game, while Liam Watts took a blow to the head so late in the game that he hadn’t been tested by the time John Cartwright spoke to the press on Saturday.
Leigh Leopards lost Joe Ofahengaue in that game, too, with the prop limping out with a hamstring injury early doors.
Tommy Makinson injured his shoulder in the act of scoring for Catalans Dragons against Warrington Wolves, while Wolves youngster Zack Gardner picked up a hamstring concern in that game.
Harry Newman took a blow to the knee for Leeds Rhinos against Castleford Tigers, but Brad Arthur has high hopes that he will be OK for Thursday’s game against Hull KR. Presley Cassell picked up a shoulder injury too but he managed to play through the pain at Wheldon Road.
Castleford Tigers will be without Joe Stimson this week against Catalans Dragons after the forward failed a HIA, while Josh Simm limped off on Saturday, too.
Finally, Huddersfield Giants head coach Luke Robinson must have been watching on in disbelief as he saw yet another half-back go down injured on Sunday afternoon. The Giants were already without Tui Lolohea and Adam Clune but Rhinos loanee Matt Frawley hit the deck at St Helens with an ankle injury and was spotted on crutches.
