Swinton Lions provide injury latest including three major blows

Josh McAllister
Gavin Bennion, Swinton Lions, Wales. PA

Swinton Lions have provided the latest on their long injury list following their home defeat to York, including three long-term blows. 

Allan Coleman’s side fell to a 40-0 defeat at Heywood Road on Sunday, but have picked up two wins from five so far this season over Batley and Barrow.

The club has confirmed a total of nine injuries to their squad of 27, leaving them thin on numbers just five rounds into the Championship campaign.

Wales international and prop forward Gavin Bennion is expected to miss four months of action. He has not featured since their opening round defeat to Newcastle Thunder. The 29-year-old returned to Heywood Road during the off-season from Rochdale, having represented Wales during the delayed 2021 World Cup in England.

Fellow Welsh half-back Ollie Olds continues to receive treatment, with Swinton hoping to have the 29-year-old back for their fixture with London at the end of March.

Hooker Josh Eaves and winger Calum Hughes are also eyeing up a potential return for the same fixture, set to take place away from home on March 26.

Swinton Lions confirm lengthy lay-off for duo

The club aren’t expecting to have Italy winger Richard Lepori or centre Myles Harrop back until July due to respective injuries.

Swinton say utility Billy Brickhill is “progressing well” with a return set for early April. Back-rower Gavin Rodden, who has suffered injuries at both Batley and Whitehaven, is also targeting April.

Meanwhile, on the plus side, starting hooker Luke Waterworth is expected to be back for their Challenge Cup round three tie with Barrow this Sunday.

Swinton also expect not to have any players from dual-registration partners St Helens for the Challenge Cup fixture, with the prospect of possibly being cup-tied.

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Championship Swinton Lions