Rhinos hit by further injury blow as Hardaker is ruled out
The 19-year-old, who was recalled from his loan spell with Featherstone after the Rhinos lost Ben Jones-Bishop with a dislocated shoulder, will need to undergo surgery after breaking his finger in an accident at home.
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Hide Ad“We are disappointed for Zak as he was impressive last week,” said Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott.
“Unfortunately, as in all walks of life, sometimes these things happen but the timing of it is sad for Zak as he had a chance to stake a claim in the team.”
Castleford captain Danny Orr will be fit to lead his side out against the Crusaders at the PROBIZ Coliseum on Sunday.
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Hide AdThe veteran half-back, who has been in inspirational form since returning to his home-town club in the winter, missed the closing stages of the Tigers’ 18-14 defeat at Bradford at the weekend after hurting his shoulder.
“Danny received a knock on his shoulder, a real stinger, and we had to bring him off midway through the second half,” said Tigers coach Terry matterson.
“But he’s okay now and will be raring to go on Sunday.”
Australian Brett Finch is set to make his debut for Wigan in Friday’s table-topping match with Warrington.
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Hide AdThe former Melbourne Storm half-back joined the Engage Super League champions on a two-year contract in the close- season but was forced to undergo neck surgery.
Finch, 29, is now back in full training and is set to be named in coach Michael Maguire’s 19-man squad today.
Maguire will recall full-back Sam Tomkins, who has completed a one-match ban, but stand-off Paul Deacon is likely to be given another week to recover from the head injury he sustained in the win over Hull nine days ago.
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Hide AdSt Helens hooker Scott Moore was handed a one-match ban and a £300 fine by the Rugby Football League’s disciplinary committee after being found guilty of a dangerous tackle on Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield. Saints have lodged an appeal.