York Knights man sent to hospital after freak incident as injury crisis worsens

York Knights’ injury nightmare continues after two more players will be sidelined for the foreseeable future, and a further two are unavailable this week.

York take on Catalans Dragons on Saturday night, in a game that pits together two sides who are hoping for much improvement in their performances, particularly their efforts in the second half.

However, Mark Applegarth’s side have been dealt even more blows, with back row pair Jesse Dee and Matty Foster sidelined for two months each.

Dee has picked up back-to-back concussions, meaning he will now be stood down for a prolonged period in order to fully recover.

Foster meanwhile suffered a blow to his throat which left him in hospital for two days following Saturday’s defeat to Castleford Tigers.

Explaining the former Salford man’s injury, Applegarth said to the press: “The cartilage in his throat, he disrupted that.

“It sounds like he’s been real lucky that he didn’t get another bang in that, because it could have shut his airway up.”

Also out for this week’s game are props Paul Vaughan and Justin Sangare.

Vaughan passed his HIA, but was still “dusty” after the game, so York are taking extra precautions before allowing him to return. Sangare failed his HIA, meaning he is automatically out of this week’s game.

In what is a boost, however, David Nofoaluma has been deemed fit to play, after there was initial concern over a toe injury at full-time of the Castleford game.

Longer-term casualties Ben Jones-Bishop and Josh Griffin are still a while away from returning, with Griffin expected to still be another three to four months after his pectoral injury.

Warrington Wolves slip-up tipped & Hull KR v Wigan Warriors verdict – Click here to watch this week’s Serious About Rugby League Predictions Show!

York Knights boss drops early selection hints

Applegarth is looking forward to seeing how a very different York side goes this weekend against the Dragons, with the club set to play more young players to combat the injury crisis.

“We’ve got a pretty exciting team that we’re putting out on Saturday.

“I’m really excited to see some of the youth get a chance. Whichever 17 we put out, they’ll be going tooth and dagger to get that result for York Knights.”

Brodie Croft’s Leeds Rhinos exit & Hull FC’s unwanted record – click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show