Casualty Ward: Lolohea latest, Evalds blow, Hull returnees & Hull KR concerns

Drew Darbyshire
Lolohea, Sao and Kenny-Dowall SWpix

Tui Lolohea, Ligi Sao and Shaun Kenny-Dowall feature in this week's Casualty Ward | Photos: SWpix

Keep up to date with the latest injury news in Casualty Ward, this week including Huddersfield full-back Tui Lolohea and Hull’s returning players.

Lolohea latest

Huddersfield full-back Tui Lolohea is expected to return to action within the next fortnight following an ankle injury, according to coach Ian Watson. Tonga international Lolohea missed Friday’s 25-0 defeat at champions St Helens.

The Giants suffered a big blow to star winger Jermaine McGillvary in their St Helens defeat. On McGillvary, Watson said: “He felt he heard a crack. He’s on crutches and we’ll have to get it scanned but will be out for a while. It’s a blow because he’s been massive for us.”

The Giants could recall Ireland World Cup hopeful Louis Senior from Hull KR after losing McGillvary.

Hull returnees

Brett Hodgson’s side were rocked by a double injury blow in their 60-0 thrashing at Wigan on Friday. Prop Chris Satae went off in the first minute for a HIA, but later returned. However, the powerhouse front-rower then picked up an ankle injury, so he will be assessed further this week.

Josh Griffin also left the action early after he felt his hamstring tighten up.

However, there is good news to report on in regards to Hull. They could welcome back Ligi Sao, Kane Evans, Jordan Johnstone, Manu Ma’u and Connor Wynne for Friday’s visit of Castleford.

Hopoate injured

St Helens utility Will Hopoate was forced to leave the field just three minutes into their game against Huddersfield, forcing coach Kristian Woolf to shuffle his backline.

The Tonga international will be assessed further this week to find out the extent of his injury ahead of Sunday’s trip to Wakefield.

Evalds blow

Castleford full-back Niall Evalds suffered an injury to his shoulder in their 35-22 win over Warrington on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, Tigers coach Lee Radford said: “His shoulder popped out, so we lose another one.”

It comes as a huge blow to Castleford, who have recently lost half-backs Jake Trueman and Ryan Hampshire to season-ending injuries.

Dean to sit out this week

Warrington half-back Riley Dean has been ruled out of Friday’s home clash with Hull KR after failing a HIA in their loss at Castleford.

Catalans concerns

Catalans coach Steve McNamara confirmed that both Matt Whitley and Julian Bousquet suffered knee injuries in their 32-6 defeat at Salford.

McNamara said: “Two [both] knee injuries. Matt Whitley we lost after eight minutes and Julian Bousquet. I don’t want to delve too much but they don’t look great, to be honest.”

Salford duo back before end of season

Paul Rowley could welcome two of his players back from the treatment room before the end of the season.

He said Dan Sarginson has a chance of playing before the season finishes, whilst Australian forward Shane Wright is around three weeks away.

However, prop Tyler Dupree faces four to six weeks on the sidelines following their defeat to Huddersfield at Magic Weekend.

Hull KR duo injured

Hull KR were dealt injury blows to Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Dean Hadley in Sunday’s 15-10 win over Wakefield.

Speaking after the game, interim boss Danny McGuire said: “Deano popped his shoulder again. It’s actually gone back in easier this time, but we’re not sure how it will work out for him.

“Skids got an elbow in his throat and has gone to hospital as it closed up a bit and he was struggling to breathe and talk, but hopefully he’ll be ok.”

Sutcliffe illness

Leeds coach Rohan Smith was forced to change his line-up late on before their 20-6 loss at Toulouse. Liam Sutcliffe had to pull out with illness, with Liam Tindall replacing him on the bench.

Sutcliffe should be okay to face Wigan on Thursday.

Our Casualty Ward feature is out every Monday with the latest injury news.

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