Castleford Tigers fearing the worst for injured half-back Danny Richardson
Photo: Allan McKenzie / SWpix
Castleford Tigers are fearing the worst for half-back Danny Richardson following his injury sustained in the defeat to Salford.
Head coach Lee Radford has confirmed a suspected ACL injury to the 25-year-old, who was seen on crutches following the 50-10 home loss.
It means a long road to recovery for the England Knights representative, while the Tigers are preparing for their all-or-nothing tie against Leeds this Saturday.
“With the physios feedback, he’s been right with most assessments he’s done this year,” said Radford on the early assessment to Richardson.
“Matty Crowther, our physio, has never seen a season with three blowouts. It’s a fair old amount in one season, especially to the importance of the positions of the players as well.”
Richardson will see a specialist on Thursday, Radford added.
Play-off challenge for Castleford Tigers
Meanwhile, the Tigers are preparing for their crucial round 26 fixture against Leeds at Headingley Stadium this weekend. The winners will head into the all important play-offs, while the losers will see their season cut short.
“I think it’s probably one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my coaching career,” Radford said.
“The situation we’re in, where we’re at and what’s at stake and the magnitude of the game. Everyone wants to build this up to get into the play-offs and how important it is. I understand that as a selling point, but we’re limping into this game, there’s no doubt about that.”
The side will also be without Gareth O’Brien, meaning Castleford will have a makeshift half-back pairing for the game.
“We’re down to options five and six,” Radford added. “When you’re that far down the pecking order, you know you’re going to be in for a little bit of bother in the fluency that you play with and your kicking game as well I think.”
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