Hull KR suffer triple injury blow

Hull KR are counting the cost of their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Huddersfield, with three key players ruled out through injury.

Kane Linnett, who was a doubt for the game in the first place, sustained further damage to his torn bicep and will now require surgery.

That will keep him out for up to three months.

Forward Elliot Minchella suffered an ankle ligament injury late on in the 25-4 defeat at Elland Road and will be missing for between four to six weeks.

And in a further blow, key half-back Jordan Abdull suffered a quad tear and will see a specialist to determine the severity of the injury.

With the Robins already without his regular half-back partner Mikey Lewis, it potentially leaves a big hole in Tony Smith’s side.

Lewis is continuing his rehab after rupturing ankle ligaments earlier in the season.

Towering centre Sam Wood is out for two to four weeks with a dislocated knee cap suffered in the defeat to Leeds.

But, there are some positive reports on the injury front.

Lachlan Coote is available for selection for this weekend after completing his mandatory time off following a concussion suffered in their last Super League match.

Back-rower Frankie Halton is in contention to return against Castleford.

It has been a busy period on and off the pitch for the Robins, who currently sit in the play-off places in Super League.

Back-to-back sell-out crowds against Warrington and Hull FC were followed by the shock news that coach Tony Smith would be leaving at the end of the season.

The club has moved quickly to temper that announcement by unveiling former Wigan, Widnes and Gateshead half-back Willie Peters as their next coach.

Peters has been an assistant coach in the NRL since 2017 with Manly, South Sydney and Newcastle.

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