Leigh prop ‘highly likely’ to return as Adrian Lam provides update on injured duo
Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Leigh coach Adrian Lam says Fiji international powerhouse Ben Nakubuwai is ‘highly likely’ to return for Friday’s trip to Huddersfield.
The 27-year-old prop has been sidelined since the side’s 34-6 loss to Wigan in the Battle of the Borough in Round Seven.
Nakubuwai was forced from the field with a knee injury in the defeat, having been ever-present until the derby fixture at the Leigh Sports Village.
Lam said the Fijian international probably could have played in last Friday’s 30-6 win over Castleford, but the club decided to give Nakubuwai an extra week off to recover.
But speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of this Friday’s trip to Huddersfield, Lam confirmed that the ex-Salford and Gold Coast Titans prop is ‘highly likely’ to play.
When asked about his team selection for the Huddersfield game, Lam said: “Very similar as to what we’ve run with over the last month.
“I think the only one that will come in to consideration is Ben Nakubuwai, whether or not he is fit to be in that 17, we will make a decision as that unfolds.
“He is looking pretty good at the moment and it’s highly likely that he’ll play.”
Adrian Lam provides update on injured duo
The Leopards are currently without experienced forwards Jack Hughes and Joe Wardle.
Lam added: “We still don’t have Jack Hughes and Joe Wardle, who are quality players so we are getting by at the moment so we are getting by and doing an okay job.
“Jack is anywhere between two and four weeks there, that’s his target at the moment. He brings a lot of experience to the team and he’s a leader and a voice, so we’ve missed him through the start of the season but we’re doing a pretty good job in handling it without him.
“The feedback with Joe is around late June to early July, so he is long-term with that pec.”
The Leopards have enjoyed a good start to life back in Super League, winning six out of 11 games. They are currently sat sixth in the table, occupying a play-off spot.
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