Bulls take double hit as L’Estrange and Walker suffer

The 30-26 success against Crusaders came at a cost with in-form Australian hooker Heath L’Estrange breaking an ankle and luckless ex-Great Britain international Chev Walker tearing a pectoral muscle.

L’Estrange, who was influential during the game at Wrexham and has shown signs of the form which saw him win the NRL Grand Final with Manly three years ago, is set to be out until mid-April after suffering the injury innocuously while making a tackle.

He will be missing for around 10 weeks placing more responsibility Matt Diskin who has been equally impressive since his off-season move from Leeds Rhinos.

Frustrated Walker, meanwhile, was playing only his third Super League game in 18 months after battling back from a serious leg break which saw him sidelined all last year at Hull KR.

He joined Bradford over the winter and impressed on debut against Leeds and during the loss versus Wigan to hint that he may be able to replicate the sort of powerful performances that saw him emerge as one of the game’s brightest talents a decade ago.

However, after switching from centre to second-row against Crusaders, a lazy high tackle saw the 28-year-old tear his chest and he now has to spend a month kicking his heels.

Bulls coach Mick Potter said: “It’s disappointing that Heath will miss the next 10 weeks because that part of the team – with Matt Diskin and Heath in the hooking role – has been working very well for us but we’ll just have to manage.

“It’s also disappointing for Chev but hopefully he shouldn’t be too long before he’s back.”

Such injuries would have caused catastrophe at Grattan Stadium last season given their limited squad strength but with a better assembled and deeper group in 2011 they should be able to overcome the losses.

Castleford Tigers head coach Terry Matterson has welcomed the news of Brett Ferres’s England call-up.

The former Bradford and Wakefield back-row, 24, has been selected for Steve McNamara’s 34-man Elite Training Squad following an excellent 2010 where he really flourished for his hometown club.

Matterson said: “He thoroughly deserves it.

““Brett is a more mature player than when he previously played for England.

“I’ve challenged him to improve in certain areas of his game and it has shown in his performances.”

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