Super League injuries as St Helens, Warrington Wolves and Hull FC suffer key blows

The start of the Super League season is almost here but some teams are counting the costs of their first run out in the Challenge Cup.

Super League teams entered the competition over the weekend, with top flight teams taking on lower league opposition in the third round.

The round passed without an upset with the 13 top tier outfits progressing to the last 16, with Goole Vikings, Keighley Cougars and Oldham being the final Championship sides remaining in the competition.

The first competitive run out of the season came at a price for some teams though and as the opening round of Super League approaches, some head coaches will be checking on the fitness of key men.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the injury issues to come off the third round of the Challenge Cup.

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Super League injury issues ahead of round one

St Helens may have eased through the challenge of Workington Town on Friday night, but they suffered a big blow, as they lost captain Matty Lees to a knee injury. The prop had to leave the field of play on Friday night and there are concerns that he could be set to miss a chunk of the campaign as a result.

Hull FC back-rower Jed Cartwright took a blow to the head in the opening minute of the Black and Whites’ clash with Salford and he looks set to miss the opener at the very least.

Leeds Rhinos picked up yet another injury concern when they took on Widnes Vikings as Mikolaj Oldezki left the field with a rib issue. Cam Smith has a groin issue, too.

James Bentley suffered a back spasm on his Warrington Wolves debut as Sam Burgess’ side took on Sheffield Eagles. Luke Robinson confirmed that George Flanagan left the field with cramp on Friday night, but Sam Halsall has a tight groin.

Jayden Nikorima wasn’t deemed fit enough to feature for Bradford Bulls due to a calf strain and he could be looking at around six weeks out.

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