Super League star missed huge fixture due to illness

Leeds Rhinos and Leigh Leopards, Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons and St Helens and Salford Red Devils all met in big games over the weekend but sadly as is always the case injuries and absences played a part in the games.

That was true especially at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Though not entirely to blame, injuries have sadly informed Warrington’s second half to the season especially in the pack and things got worse for the Wolves as they lost to the French side on Friday night.

It was a disappointing game all round for the Wolves who after early pressure were 18-0 down after great tries from Adam Keighran, Tom Davies and Mitchell Pearce.

Ben Currie gave his side hope with a try just before the break but again more unfulfilled potential in attack from the Wolves in the second half was punished as the Dragons scored twice more to wrap up the win via Matt Whitley and Matt Ikuvalu.

Warrington did have a last say from Josh Thewlis but that was a rare good moment on a difficult night.

The Wolves lost another forward in the shape of Gil Dudson who suffered a head knock and failing his Head Injury Assessment.

He wasn’t the only one to go down with this. Stefan Ratchford copped an elbow from George Williams in the first half and had 15-20 stiches after the incident and was heavily bandaged but did pass his Head Injury Assessment.

However, he began to feel ill and after an assessment at halftime he was withdrawn with late onset concussion.

He wasn’t the only player to be withdrawn after feeling ill.

Michael McIlorum was set to feature and travelled with the squad but was left in the hotel due to illness.

McIlorum recently made the decision to sign an extension to stay with the French side after they missed out on former Leeds and Huddersfield Giants star Kruise Leeming who joined Wigan Warriors instead.

There was talk that the England international could have retired according to reports from France in L’Independent and Treize Mondial.

Alrix Da Costa came in and did a terrific job in his absence.