Black ruled out for Fax

Championship leaders Halifax could be without star man Ben Black for six weeks with a thumb injury.

Black, 28, missed Halifax’s shock 34-28 defeat away at Gateshead on Sunday after rupturing thumb ligaments.

He was subject to criticism from coach Matt Calland the previous week for a knock-on which cost his side a place in the Northern Rail Cup final.

Black dropped the ball with a clear run to the try line in the semi-final against Widnes, and a score would have put the Yorkshiremen 28-20 up late in the game.

However, Black could now be sidelined for up to six weeks but Calland hopes to have his playmaker back within two.

Fax face struggling Leigh this weekend at The Shay.