Featherstone lose second key forward to injury

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS coach Brian McDermott admits losing a second former Super League forward so early in the season is a “hit” to his squad.

Ex-Castleford Tigers second-row Jesse Sene-Lefao faces “weeks” on the sidelines after suffering a dislocated shoulder in Monday’s Betfred Championship round one victory at York City Knights.

It comes after ex-Wales captain Craig Kopczak was injured in the warm-up of their friendly win at his former club Wakefield Trinity.

“Jesse has dislocated his shoulder,” said McDermott.

Double blow: Featherstone Rovers coach Brian McDermott has lost forwards Craig Kopczak and Jesse Sene-Lefao to injury. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comDouble blow: Featherstone Rovers coach Brian McDermott has lost forwards Craig Kopczak and Jesse Sene-Lefao to injury. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Double blow: Featherstone Rovers coach Brian McDermott has lost forwards Craig Kopczak and Jesse Sene-Lefao to injury. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
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“It went back in, but obviously there’s going to be some damage there.

“It could be weeks. We have lost a couple of big ones in the last two weeks.

“Losing Craig Kopczak last week against Wakefield in the warm-up was a big one for us.

“He is one of our leaders and a senior guy. If we’ve lost Jesse for a number of weeks that’s going to be a hit as well.”

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However, ex-NRL centre Joey Leilua could debut in Monday’s home game with Leigh Centurions - Featherstone’s biggest rivals for promotion - and ex-Leeds Rhinos prop Adam Cuthbertson (illness) should also make his bow.