Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess has provided an early injury update on three of his key players.
Josh Thewlis, Arron Lindop and Jordy Crowther all left the field in the 18-16 win over Catalans Dragons, and it was that adversity that made the result mean that much more.
Lindop was first off, and in an incident that was placed on report, looked to be holding his knee and was in severe pain.
The 20-year-old was only two games into a return from an ACL injury, and it was devastating to witness him leave the field, with many thinking the worse.
To add to that, full-back Josh Thewlis didn’t return for the second half after an ankle issue in the first half.
That meant Ewan Irwin was moved to full-back for the first time in his Super League career, and he was again excellent as he won his side the game with a try-saving tackle.
Lastly, Jordy Crowther is a concern after an injury picked up in the second half.
Commenting on those injuries, boss Burgess said to Sky Sports: “It was a very costly night. I’m just praying for the best for Arron, but it doesn’t look good.
“Josh [Thewlis] and Jordy Crowther didn’t look good, either.”
On the tackle that saw Lindop injured, the Wire boss said: “It’s disappointing. It was a very ugly tackle. The thing is, I think in regard to anyone, if it’s someone with an ACL return or not, they’re in trouble in that tackle.
“It just happened to be Arron’s knee that he’s had repaired. It just happened to be that it was him.
“That’s the worst part of my job. The worst part of my job. I hate seeing that.”
Thewlis’ issue is an abductor problem, something that he has been battling for a while.
Sam Burgess proud of Warrington Wolves after gritty win
Given the conditions, the injuries and the youth on show, Burgess admitted that the victory was one of the best his side have produced, and knows that the adversity will only help them in the long-run.
“It was a tough night in a lot of respects, but I’m very proud of the team, the way we just hung in there, and Ewan Irwin full-back.
“We found a way and probably wasn’t a pretty game, but in terms of what I’ll do for the group, I’ll give them a bit of confidence.”
On Irwin, Burgess said: We’ve done no practise at full-back with Ewan. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. He can handle it.
“I thought the tackle, he wouldn’t have been in that situation once all pre-season, every time I’ve worked with him. He’s a cool player. He’s a natural player. That’s why I knew he could handle it.”
