Radford confirms Richardson blow and provides update on injured duo

Castleford coach Lee Radford confirmed recent injury reports surrounding half-back Danny Richardson and admitted his season is ‘pretty much’ written off. 

The 26-year-old, who tore his MCL and ACL last August, told Love Rugby League in an exclusive interview that he may not return to the field in 2023. 

Radford confirmed those fears following Castleford’s 48-10 pre-season victory over Huddersfield. 

When asked whether Richardson’s season was over, the Tigers coach said: “Yeah, pretty much. I think there’s a line through that. 

“Funny when we announced the squad numbers and he got the number 37; and you read some of the press comments saying he ‘shouldn’t be given that number’. Obviously if you’re not going to participate it doesn’t matter what number you’ve got. 

“It looks like his season unfortunately… That’s why it was such a bitter blow last year with that injury, with (Jake) Trueman, with Ryan Hampshire. We had a period there when things couldn’t have got much worse.”

BLOW: Danny Richardson unlikely to play at all in 2023

Radford provides latest on Jacob Miller and Kieran Hudson

Jacob Miller sat in the stands during Castleford’s commanding win over Huddersfield, though Radford confirmed that was only a precaution and the player was available for the Super League opener at Hull FC. 

Kieran Hudson, on the other hand, is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines following his Achilles injury. 

“Luckily with Kieran, he did his injury on the Tuesday and went in for his operation on the Thursday,” said Radford. 

“We’ll play the long game with him. He’s a young kid. A young up and coming front rower who I really like. There’s no rush. 

“I know it’s the last year of his deal, but there’s no rush to try and force things with him. We want to get his body right and get him to the best place he can possibly be for his return to the game.”

The 22-year-old was hoping to make his Super League breakthrough this season after spending 2022 on loan at Whitehaven.

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