Wildcats’ Kirmond ruled out after knee operation

HEAD coach Richard Agar admits the controversial dual-registration system has created both positives and negatives for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Captain Danny Kirmond underwent knee surgery yesterday and will be out for up to a month.

Agar would, ordinarily, have selected Frankie Mariano as the second-row’s replacement but he has not played for the last fortnight.

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The ex-Hull KR forward has been dual-registered with Doncaster as part of the process which has caused consternation with some Championship clubs who claim it undermines the integrity of their competition.

However, while Trinity’s Kyle Trout has been playing under the same arrangement with the South Yorkshire club, Doncaster coach Tony Miller has not been able to furnish Mariano with any game-time.

“The dual-reg hasn’t quite worked for us,” conceded Agar, who has also recalled both as Trinity travel out to Perpignan in readiness for Saturday’s game with Catalan Dragons.

“I appreciate where the Championship clubs are coming from. They want their own identity and don’t want blokes in for a week and out for a week.

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“Nor would I expect them to pander to us. Tony is trying to build his own team and culture so I guess it’s disruptive having blokes in and out.

“There are positives and a few negatives to the dual-reg system. My biggest concern is, whichever way we do it, we’re driving some players away from the game.

“The lack of a reserve-grade competition is leaving too many on the sidelines every week.”

Wildcats, who are also facing a six-figure shortfall after the collapse of main sponsors Eric France Metal Recycling, received better news with a specialist report showing centre Reece Lyne has not torn a pectoral as first feared and could be back in three weeks.

Former Leeds Rhinos prop Luke Burgess has signed a new two-year deal with South Sydney.

Batley Bulldogs are in Championship action against Halifax this evening.