Bradford fear duo could be ruled out for season

The Bulls are still coming to terms with the loss of centre Adrian Purtell, who suffered a heart attack after Sunday’s 37-22 defeat at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, and their problems worsened yesterday when coach Mick Potter revealed the extent of a second injury crisis.

In addition to hooker Matt Diskin, who dislocated a shoulder, and prop Craig Kopczak, who sustained ankle ligament damage, Bradford have lost winger Elliott Kear with a broken wrist and centre Chev Walker with a broken rib.

Diskin, who will lose an ever-present record this season, and Kopczak, who missed five earlier this year with a broken finger, have been ruled out for at least three months.

“Kopczak’s ankle got caught after he was rolled back over by a couple of players and he needs an ankle operation,” Potter said.

“Matt Diskin got flipped over and landed on his shoulder and he’ll need an operation as well.

“It’s unfortunate to lose two of our top-liners for at least three months.

“We were saying a week ago that we were starting to get players back and we lose five in one match so we’re back to where we started.

“It’s the nature of a contact sport but it’s happening to us just a little too much at the moment.

“It puts a bit of a dent in us but we’ll fill the void.”

Bradford say it will be at least two months before Purtell – who was released from hospital yesterday – knows if he will be able to play again.

Leeds will be without centre Kallum Watkins for four weeks after he underwent minor knee surgery for an injury suffered in the win over Bradford.

Hull FC have confirmed veteran centre Tony Martin will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The 33-year-old former Wakefield player, who is out of contract this year, has undergone surgery after sustaining the injury in last Saturday’s defeat by Hull KR.

Hull director of rugby Shaun McRae said: “This is obviously devastating news for Tony and the club and it’s a difficult time for him.”

Hull are hoping Martin’s place for the visit of St Helens on Sunday will be taken by England international Kirk Yeaman, who is back in training after missing the past five games with a foot infection.

Wakefield half-back Matty Wildie, 21, has joined Championship side Batley on a dual-registration deal until the end of June.