Parker ruled out with head injury

Salford have suffered another injury blow with the news that Rob Parker fractured his skull against Wigan last Friday.

Parker suffered the injury in a collision with the elbow of team-mate Jordan Turner near the end of their 34-18 defeat at the JJB Stadium.

The former Bradford and Warrington forward suffered bruising on his forehead, and x-rays confirmed the club’s worst fears.

“I’ve had facial surgery a couple of times in my career so I know what to expect from head injuries,” Parker said.

“There’s obviously a problem that needs fixing. I’ve had really bad headaches over the weekend. It was a complete accident and just one of those things.

“I’ve actually fractured my skull in five places. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like I need surgery but I have to see a consultant again in two weeks.

“They are saying I need no contact for five to six weeks but I am obviously hoping it will be less than that. I basically now have a week’s rest, followed by light training.

“It’s a blow. I’m really enjoying playing back to back but I have no control of broken bones unfortunately – at least there’s not an underlying problem and I know where I am with the injury.”

Salford coach Shaun McRae added: “After losing Willie Talau for the season, this is another big blow for the club, but these types of injury are part and parcel of the business we are in.

“These guys play a high-impact, collision sport and there are going to be accidents from time to time.

“With Willie and Paul White out for the season and now Rob missing for a lengthy period, things are getting a bit tight for bodies so we have to now look at our options.”