Castleford Tigers: Ryan Hampshire suffers injury blow
Castleford Tigers head coach Lee Radford has confirmed an injury to new signing Ryan Hampshire.
Hampshire, 27, recently signed with the club on a one-year deal. He had been a free agent following his exit from Wakefield at the end of last season.
Lee Radford confirmed that the full-back or half-back broke his hand during the club’s reserves game last weekend.
Radford confirms Ryan Hampshire injury blow
He said: “He’s broke his hand. He’s got the Lee Radford curse already.
“He’s devastated. We’re looking at around six to eight weeks. He sees a specialist tomorrow.
“That’s the timeframe the physios are putting on it. If we can get him back before then, it’ll be a massive plus.
Radford confirmed that the former Wakefield man could have made his second debut for the club in their sixth round Challenge Cup clash with Leeds.
Some good news
There is some good news coming out of the Castleford camp. Radford has confirmed that some key players could return for Saturday’s clash at Headingley.
“Hopefully we’ve got a few back this week. For the first time in a few weeks we’ll have some decisions to make which is a plus.
“We’ll have some back and in good time as well I think.
“Niall Evalds has got a chance, Nathan Massey has got a chance, Adam Milner has a chance and Liam Watts has got a chance.”
The Castleford boss also provided an injury update on the trio who left the field in their recent defeat to Wigan in Super League.
Gareth O’Brien, Joe Westerman and Cheyse Blair all sustained knocks at the DW Stadium.
“Gaz has trained today. He should be fine. Joe Westerman is in and out but I’m presuming he’s going to be okay.
“Cheyse Blair won’t be available. I don’t think it (it will be long term). He’s had some stitches in his hand. There was no damage to the ligament but it was pretty severe. He caught a stud across the back of the hand so it’s opened that up unfortunately.”