Hull KR must cope with loss of industrious Donaldson

The former Bradford Bulls back-row dislocated his wrist in Sunday’s 38-8 defeat at Warrington and will undergo surgery next week.

Industrious Donaldson, 24, was man of the match in their opening-day draw with Castleford Tigers, but now joins captain Terry Campese, hooker Shaun Lunt and second-row Kevin Larroyer on the sidelines.

“We’re doing it tough with injuries at the moment and it’s a massive shame for Donno as he’s started the season really positively for us,” said Chester.

“It means the depth of the squad is being tested with half a dozen players out, but the good news is that we should start to get some players back in the next two to three weeks.

“Liam Salter and James Greenwood should both be available for selection against Wakefield on Sunday to give us a few more options.”

Rovers hooker John Boudebza has three games of a four-game ban to serve following the tackle that saw Castleford captain Michael Shenton suffer a season-ending knee injury.

That suspension infuriated the East Yorkshire club who maintained no foul play took place and were upset the disciplinary panel chose to increase the normal punishment due to Shenton being injured.

However, they may be further incensed now after what St Helens head coach Keiron Cunningham described as a similar tackle went unpunished.

The RFL Match Review Panel deemed Salford player Adam Walne’s dangerous contact on Mark Percival as accidental and have brought no charge – even though the Saints centre could miss three months of action due to knee ligament damage.

Meanwhile, Catalans Dragons have signed controversial former Australian prop Willie Mason – who had an ill-fated brief stint with Hull KR in 2011 – on a 12-month deal.