Warrington Wolves came through a tough third round Challenge Cup tie against Sheffield Eagles but not without injury.
Speaking after his side’s 34-6 win over their Championship opponents, Sam Burgess confirmed that signing James Bentley suffered a back injury with the second-rower reportedly in a bit of pain.
“It was a bit of a clunky-looking tackle,” Burgess said when asked in his post-match presser about Bentley.
” He’s compressed his spine and. well I’m not a doctor, but he’s got back spasms.”
On a timescale and the state of the Irish international, Burgess added: “They can sort that out quickly but they can take a bit of time. He’s in a bit of pain actually, he’s not in a good way so we’ll see how that unfolds over the next 48 hours but the boys have got the weekend now to recover.”
Aside from Bentley, Wire came through with a clean bill of health and Burgess confirmed that he expects a number to return for the Super League season opener against St Helens with Luke Yates and Toafofoa Sipley among those to miss out on Friday night.
Burgess said: “We’ll have a number of guys to pick from next week, it’s going to be hard to pick a 17. It was actually tricky this week and we’ll probably have four or five coming back into that so it will be tough on Monday.”
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Warrington Wolves boss impressed with young backs
In terms of the actual game, Burgess lamented the weather conditions but said his side help up well given the circumstances, making sure to pay credit to Craig Lingard’s side.
He said: “I’m happy with the result as these games can be tricky in terrible conditions and it’s the week before the season so we’re trying to get through in good order and play some good rugby.
“I thought Sheffield kicked well, completed well and they made a good game of it. I was disappointed with their try but otherwise we got the job done without being brilliant.”
Albert Hopoate was one of those to make a debut with the former Canberra Raiders man playing his first game since a season-ending injury last year and Burgess spoke on how such a lay-off will mean the centre needs time before hitting the heights the club believe he can reach.
Burgess explained: “I’m happy for him to get his try and find his feet again. Twelve months out of the game is a long time so it might take Albert five or six weeks to get going and really hit his straps but the early signs are there and we’re grateful to have him in the side.
“Without putting pressure on him, we need to remind ourselves that he’s returning from a couple of big injuries so we’ve got to give him time. As the season unfolds, I think we’ll see more of what he’s like.”
Another back to impress was Tommy Rhodes with the teen becoming Warrington’s youngest-ever try scorer, aged 16 and 281 days.
“He’s a joy to coach and a kid where things seem to happen around him,” said Burgess, before hailing Rhodes’ versatility.
“He’s played all pre-season filling in at one, six, in the centres, played a bit of nine so he’s very valuable to have around. Today he covered George, Cai, Danny.
“I rate all the young kids, they’ve all got great potential and it’s now up to us to harness that. With Tommy, you wouldn’t think he’s 16, he’s very mature. If he keeps going in this direction then he’ll have a great career, we’ve got to figure out where he’s going to play but he’s developing nicely at the moment.”
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