Following the conclusion of Super League Round 15, a number of sides are still feeling the effects and are in danger of losing some key players to injury.
Thursday and Friday saw wins for Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity, whilst the weekend saw Wigan Warriors, Catalans Dragons, Castleford Tigers and St Helens emerge as successful.
The Rhinos battled Warrington Wolves in a top-two clash and came out as comfortable winners. To make matters worse for Sam Burgess’ side, Toafofoa Sipley left the field with an ankle issue and didn’t return.
The Wolves boss said post-match that he could have potentially gone on for a second stint, but with the game already lost at that point, there was no need to put the former NRL man back on.
Hull KR had to defeat Leigh Leopards without England international Jez Litten, who was sent for scans after the win over York last week. Litten is also a doubt for this week’s game against Leeds, as is winger Joe Burgess, who left the action on Friday early into the second half with a shoulder problem.
Leigh pair Lachlan Lam and Josh Charnley didn’t feature at Craven Park, but both are expected to return this week against Toulouse.
Not only did Hull FC lose to Wakefield, but they also lost three bodies. Amir Bourouh will miss the home tie with Wigan due to concussion protocols, whilst Jed Cartwright is a doubt after not playing in the second half due to hamstring tightness. A longer-term injury sees Will Kirby sidelined with what could be either an MCL or an ACL, per Andy Last.
York Knights full-back Toa Mata’afa didn’t return for the second half in their 72-20 defeat to Wigan, however boss Mark Applegarth explained post-match that that was a selection decision, not an injury.
Catalans Dragons winger Tommy Makinson left the field in the French side’s win over Bradford Bulls. The veteran was pictured with ice strapped heavily around his hamstring, and depending on severity could miss this week, if not longer.
Sunday saw St Helens pick up their first win in four, but it came at a cost with centre Mark Percival picking up a suspected hamstring issue. Both George Whitby and Matt Whitley pulled out in captain’s run before the game, with Whitley looking at a season-ending wrist injury and Whitby facing a knee problem.
