Ben Garcia could play this weekend despite almost losing an ear

Catalans Dragons captain Ben Garcia may not miss a game despite almost losing an ear during their Magic Weekend clash with Warrington.

The France international was rushed from St James’ Park to a nearby hospital after suffering the horrific injury in the first half of their 36-10 defeat to Warrington on Sunday.

Club medics were unable to stitch his ear back together but fortunately, plastic surgeons were able to carry out the repairs.

Garcia was able to join his team-mates for their flight back to Perpignan last night.

Dragons coach Steve McNamara said: “They did a great job in Newcastle with a plastic surgeon. We are getting him assessed now but hopefully no further action will be needed.”

Ben Garcia could, surprisingly, even play in their next Super League match at Salford on Sunday afternoon.

McNamara added: “We’ll find out later. He’s as tough as they come but, if it’s dangerous, he will need time off.”

Gareth Widdop likely to have played last game for Warrington

Gareth Widdop is likely to have played his final game for Warrington after he suffered a season-ending injury in their win over Catalans.

The England international suffered a dislocated shoulder in the act of scoring in the fourth minute.

Warrington coach Daryl Powell said: “He has dislocated his shoulder. I’ll be pretty certain that he won’t play again this year which is really tough for him.

“He is one of the bravest players you are likely to see. He had to come off and he is in a lot of pain.

“I think it took around 10 minutes to get back in and I don’t think he’ll play again this year. Medically, he will get checked out. It had to be put back in so it is obviously a big injury for a player.”

Widdop is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to fellow Super League side Castleford as well as a return to Australia.

When asked about Widdop’s future, Powell replied: “I don’t know with his future. I think there will be announcement soon so I wouldn’t want to speculate on that. There will be an announcement in the next week probably.”

Widdop has made 49 appearances for Warrington since arriving ahead of the 2020 season from NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons.

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