Round Ten of the Super League brought some incredible games of rugby and some huge results for sides looking to kick on for the rest of the season, but injuries have tarnished some of those performances.
Catalans Dragons again lost in poor fashion, being beaten by Wigan Warriors 30-8.
Leeds Rhinos demolished London Broncos 46-8, in a much-improved performance to last week against Hull FC, who lost this weekend again, this time to Warrington Wolve.
Elsewhere, Paul Rowley’s Salford Red Devils edged out the in-form Huddersfield Giants 18-16, potentially surprising a few.
Paul Wellens’ side St Helens are struggling, and lost 40-20 to this season’s surprise package Hull KR, in what was a huge statement of intent from the Robins.
Castleford Tigers brought drama as their Tex Hoy and Senior twins-inspired performance ensured a 28-28 draw with Leigh Leopards, which is a first this season.
This weekend’s results leave six out of the twelve teams level on points at the top of the table.
Super League injury news from Round Ten in full
Credit: Matthew Merrick
Leeds Rhinos: Brodie Croft (groin), Riley Lumb (hamstring)
The Rhinos, despite their comfortable win, will be worried after Croft’s injury.
He scored in the game, but went off with a groin injury late on in the first half.
After the game, head coach Rohan Smith said: “Brodie had some tightness in his groin.
“Let’s hope it’s more precautionary that we made that choice, than anything too significant.”
They also, unfortunately for the young winger, lost Riley Lumb, just a week after his man-of-the-match performance in his debut against Hull FC, where he scored twice.
He would have come into the game brimming with confidence, but was forced off just a minute into the game.
Smith said: “Lumby is in pain with a hamstring injury.
“With some of the hamstring injuries we’ve had over the past couple of years, the less painful ones are the longer-term ones.
“I’m hopeful this is a reversal of that.”
London Broncos: Jacob Jones (head)
Jones, on a month-long loan from Leigh Leopards, took a hit to the head early in the second-half, and never returned to the field.
Hull KR: Elliot Minchella (groin), James Batchelor (eye), Oliver Gildart (knee)
It was an unbelievable victory for the Robins this week, but they’re faced with multiple new injury concerns.
Elliot Minchella went off late on with a groin injury, while James Batchelor went off with an eye injury just after half-time.
Oliver Gildart also had to withdraw before the game started with a knee problem.
Head coach Willie Peters said: “Hopefully, [Batchelor] is okay. Oli [Gildart] and [Minchella], I’m not sure whether five days will be enough.”
St Helens: Matt Whitley (shoulder)
A disappointing defeat and an injury to Matt Whitley this week for Saints, as the forward was seen being trated on the sidelines before it was decided he couldn’t return to the field.
Paul Wellens said on it: “I think it’s a bit of a shoulder issue.
“I’m not too sure at the moment… we are hoping it’s not too serious.”
Credit: News Images
Catalans Dragons: Paul Seguier (leg), Ben Garcia (concussion)
In their 30-8 defeat to Wigan Warriors, Catalans lost two big names.
Seguier was clearly struggling to walk, but Ben Garcia’s withdrawal looked innocuous at the time.
Steve McNamara explained their situations: “We lost Ben Garcia with a concussion.
[Seguier] is being assessed by the doctors now. It’s not looking great.
“It’s a knee/lower leg injury.”
Salford Red Devils: Joe Shorrocks (knee), Joe Mellor (hand)
The Red Devils’ impressive victory was marred by two fresh injury concerns.
Shorrocks’ knee injury caused his to have to be carried off the field, which means he may be looking at a long spell on the sidelines.
Joe Mellor may also, as he broke his hand.
Castleford Tigers: Sam Hall (consussion), Sam Wood (thumb)
It was thrilling drama as Castleford fought back to rescue a draw.
However, they’re suffered further injury concerns.
Head coach Craig Lingard said: “Sam [Hall] failed his HIA and I think Sam Wood’s got a knock on his thumb.
“Whether he needs to go for an x-ray on that we’re not too sure.”
The Tigers’ injury list is extensive, and has been in double figures for a number of weeks.
