Huddersfield hardest hit as Yorkshire clubs list absentees

Huddersfield Giants, who have a tricky opener at Wigan on Sunday, have crippling problems, particularly in the pack where they are set to be without Keith Mason, Larne Patrick, Luke O’Donnell, David Fa’alogo, David Faiumu and Tony Tonks, the latter through suspension.

They are also preparing to be missing captain Kevin Brown after the England stand-off rolled an ankle in training.

It is a similar story elsewhere with Bradford Bulls possibly devoid of a specialist hooker for Sunday’s visit of Catalan Dragons.

Heath L’Estrange is battling to overcome a knee infection while both Matt Diskin (calf) and Adam O’Brien (ankle) picked up injuries against Hull FC on Sunday in Lee Radford’s testimonial.

Loose forward Jamie Langley was also carried off with a neck injury after a clash of heads, although he is expected to recover in time, but Bradford are already without fellow forwards Tom Olbison (shoulder), Olivier Elima (knee) and new signing Manase Manuokafoa (knee).

Keith Lulia and Karl Pryce are doubtful with hamstring injuries and second-row Elliott Whitehead still has one game left to serve of a five-match ban.

Hull KR do not have the same depth of problems but are missing key figures in captain Ben Galea and stand-off Blake Green for Friday’s trip to champions Leeds Rhinos plus young prop Rich Beaumont (broken leg)

Castleford Tigers will start without Craig Huby and Nick Youngquest, if not more.

Ex-Warrington and Wales forward Mike Nicholas has been inducted into the RFL’s roll of honour for his part in the development of Welsh rugby league over five decades.

Introduced in 2003 to recognise individuals who have given outstanding service to the game as players, administrators and volunteers, Ray Unsworth, Ron England, Jackie Reid MBE and Andrew Cudbertson were also inducted at a lunch in Bradford.