Casualty Ward: St Helens and Hull KR sweating on key players ahead of Challenge Cup

Hull KR and St Helens are sweating on the fitness of key players ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final clashes. 

Jonny Lomax left the field during the first half of their win over Salford. His withdrawal meant James Roby had to play in the halves, with Joey Lussick going in at hooker.

Meanwhile, Will Hopoate picked up a knock in his first game back after a hamstring injury, which has kept him out since their Challenge Cup win over Catalans.

Head coach Kristian Woolf said: “We’ll have to get them both scanned and have a look over the weekend.

“We’ve got an eight day turnaround which is really positive there. Eight days is a long time to sort of turn injuries around.

“Jonny (Lomax) obviously doesn’t come off for nothing. He doesn’t come off very often at all or if ever. As I say, we’ll have a look and hope for good news. It’s his bicep.

“We are hopeful he will be able to play (against Wigan). There was a bit of a precaution there. We will have a look tomorrow and see where it is at.”

St Helens face Wigan in the semi-finals next weekend.

Duo sidelined for Hull KR

Hull KR could be without Lachlan Coote and Sam Wood for their Challenge Cup clash with Huddersfield. The pair left the field during their 12-0 defeat to Leeds in Super League on Friday night.

Scotland international Coote didn’t return to action after leaving the field for a HIA. Smith confirmed that Wood is likely to miss the Huddersfield clash with a knee injury.

No panic for Wigan fans

There is no reason for Wigan fans to panic on the fitness of in-form full-back Jai Field ahead of next week’s Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens.

Head coach Matt Peet revealed that he had always planned to give Field a rest during their match with Warrington.

Willie Isa, Oliver Partington and Joe Shorrocks all in mix for their semi-final after missing Friday’s match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Meanwhile, Warrington’s Riley Dean left the field due to a scratch to the eye. George Williams also pulled up with cramp towards the end of the game but is okay.

Huddersfield update

Paul Rowley confirms possible long-term absentees

Salford head coach Paul Rowley has confirmed Rhys Williams and Alex Gerrard could both be set for a spell on the sidelines.

Both had to come off during Salford’s 14-10 defeat at St Helens on Friday night. Williams picked an ankle injury, while Gerrard has also torn a muscle.

Our Casualty Ward feature is out every week with the latest injury news in Super League.

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