Hull KR star Ben Crooks in six-month injury fear

SUPER Leage’s top tryscorer Ben Crooks has suffered a neck injury which could rule the Hull KR winger out for the rest of the season.
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The 26 year-old has been in stunning form for the Robins scoring seven tries in their opening five games this term.

However, he has a bulging disc in his neck which, if it requires surgery, will keep him sidelined for up to six months.

Hull KR's Ben Crooks takes on Castleford's Pete Mata'utia in Thursday's game. (PIC: JONATHAN GAWTHORPE)Hull KR's Ben Crooks takes on Castleford's Pete Mata'utia in Thursday's game. (PIC: JONATHAN GAWTHORPE)
Hull KR's Ben Crooks takes on Castleford's Pete Mata'utia in Thursday's game. (PIC: JONATHAN GAWTHORPE)
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“He did it in the very last tackle of Thursday’s game against Castleford,” said KR boss Tony Smith.

“He’s got an issue there. It’s a bulging disc and he’ll be seeing the specialist tonight.”

Asked how the former Castleford and Hull FC player has taken the setback, Smith said: “He’s seeing the consultant to determine whether he needs an operation or not.

“If it’s an operation it could be anything up to six months recovery.

“He may need a bit of consoling then if that is the case.

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“He’s a good kid and takes things in his stride and that would be a bit of a hit for anybody. That’s if it happens.

“We’ll know tonight. I think the appointment is at 8 o’clock and there’ll be a coach and a few others sitting on the edge of their seat.”

It is another blow for the Robins who have not won since Crooks scored four tries on the opening night against Wakefield Trinity.

Smith added: “I think he’s been in terrific form in a team that hasn’t been flying.

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“He’s been one of our most consistent players and a pretty good tryscorer as well.

“He’s enjoying his rugby and that shows. He’s saved a number of tries.

“I don’t know about scoring tries but there won’t have been many that have saved more than him this year.”

Although Crooks is out of Sunday’s game at Wigan Warriors, the club welcome back a raft of other players including second-row Harvey Livett, loose forward George Lawler and stand-off Jordan Abdull from injury as well as prop Robbie Mulhern from suspension.

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Scrum-half Jamie Ellis hoped to return from a hamstring issue but he strained it again in training on Monday although Smith hopes he could be back in the next week or so.

Dean Hadley came off against Castleford and is a doubt but will be in the 21-man squad and hopes to be fit in time for Sunday.

However, prop Mitch Garbutt, who was detained in hospital overnight with concussion following that game, has been told to stay away from the club this week and rest at home.

Full-back Adam Quinlan and captain Weller Hauraki joined in with opposed training for the first time today and are not far from returns for the side who have lost their last four games.

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