This weekend’s Challenge Cup action has thrown up some injury concerns for several of the Super League sides in action with Wigan Warriors potentially among those worst affected.
On a terrible weekend for Matt Peet’s side, they saw their hopes of retaining the Challenge Cup dashed as they lost 26-22 to Hull FC, whilst also losing full-back Jai Field to injury.
Field actually suffered an injury in last year’s Challenge Cup Final but was able to play on, however, that ruled him out for an extended period. Since his return, the Australian has been by far the best full-back in Super League but he’s now picked up another injury concern.
Other results saw Hull KR ease past Oldham with a 40-0 win, whilst Friday also saw Salford Red Devils hold off Bradford Bulls 26-16 and St Helens dispatch Leeds Rhinos 22-14.
26-16 was the scoreline when Warrington beat Widnes in a game that looked like it could have gone the other way at points, whilst Catalans hammered Featherstone Rovers 46-18.
The weekend’s biggest win saw Leigh hammer Batley 62-4 whilst Huddersfield kept up their impressive but unwanted record of leading at half time but then losing, with Wakefield Trinity progressing after a 22-14 win.
Challenge Cup causes several Super League injuries
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
That win came at a cost for Wakefield though with full-back Max Jowitt looking likely to miss some time in Super League after a leg injury. Forward Matty Storton also left the field but there was a positive in that George Griffin featured for the first time this season.
Sunday also saw Darnell McIntosh pick up an injury as the problems in the outside backs continue. The former Hull FC man appeared to injure his shoulder as he scored.
One man who definitely won’t play in Super League Round Five is Joe Batchelor with the Saints second-rower failing his HIA whilst teammate Mark Percival suffered an ankle injury. As for their opponents Leeds, Andy Ackers suffered a hamstring injury creating more spine problems.
Wigan also have spine problems after Jai Field suffered a hamstring injury whilst Adam Keighran also appeared to pick up a knock. As for Hull FC, Harvey Barron will be assessed after a tight hamstring.
Salford play on Thursday night and eyes will be on whether Chris Hankinson can play after he left the field early whilst Warrington also saw two men depart early in Jordy Crowther and Danny Walker. Burgess confirmed Walker had a knee issue but the move was generally precautionary, however, Crowther looks set to miss game time on account of his calf.
Super League Round Five injury concerns
Andy Ackers (Leeds Rhinos) – Hamstring
Joe Batchelor (St Helens) – HIA
Mark Percival (St Helens) – Ankle
Chris Hankinson (Salford Red Devils) – TBC
Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves) – Knee
Jordy Crowther (Warrington Wolves) – Calf
Harvey Barron (Hull FC) – Hamstring
Adam Keighran (Wigan Warriors) – Leg
Jai Field (Wigan Warriors) – Hamstring
Darnell McIntosh (Leigh Leopards) – Shoulder
Matty Storton (Wakefield Trinity) – TBC
Max Jowitt (Wakefield Trinity) – Leg
