Casualty Ward: Leigh sweating on fitness of key man, Leeds star in doubt & Castleford’s double blow

Keep up to date with the latest injury news in Casualty Ward, this week including Leigh Leopards, Leeds Rhinos, Hull and Castleford Tigers.

Leigh sweating Josh Charnley fitness

In-form winger Josh Charnley was forced from the action against Catalans Dragons on Saturday with a reported rib issue.

Adrian Lam’s Leopards take on Hull KR in a rematch of the Challenge Cup final this Friday, live on Sky Sports.

The prolific try-scorer is a doubt for the Round 23 clash, having left the field and not returning in the second half against Steve McNamara’s high-flying outift as the Super League leaders claimed a 30-14 win at the Leigh Sports Village.

Leeds star in doubt

Rohan Smith says that back-rower James McDonnell is a potential doubt to feature against Huddersfield Giants on Sunday due to bad back spasms.

The 23-year-old former Wigan man left the field during the 24-22 triumph over Warrington at Headingley Stadium, with Leeds set to monitor the rising star’s fitness during the week.

Meanwhile, having scored his first try for the club on his third appearance, full-back Luke Hooley passed his head injury assessment in the first 40.

Harry Newman also made his return from the interchange bench, replacing Hooley during his HIA.

Castleford Tigers suffer major injury scare

Castleford Tigers outside-back Jack Broadbent suffered a suspected broken collarbone against Wakefield Trinity at Belle Vue.

The club’s current top try-scorer, following Bureta Faraimo’s departure, could be a doubt for the rest of the season if scans confirm the blow.

Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks reported on the injury from the sidelines during the relegation battle that saw Danny Ward claim the victory in his first game in charge of the Tigers with a 28-12 score.

Veteran forward Nathan Massey was also forced from the field at half-time due to a leg injury.

It’s been a rough season for the 34-year-old, who has already suffered an MCL injury and a fractured eye socket after a freak incident in 2023.

Hull’s double blow 

Hull lost both Danny Houghton and Scott Taylor to a head knock and a hamstring issue respectively in Friday’s defeat to Wigan, as reported by Hull Live.

The Black & Whites host Warrington Wolves in Round 23, with both sides looking for a place in the play-offs at the end of the season.

“Some of our young guys will come through and get an opportunity. We’re going to have to do that,” head coach Smith told Hull Live.

“We’re down in terms of numbers at the moment, but it’s exciting for them and exciting for us to give them an opportunity.”

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