Preview: Sheffield v Whitehaven

Sheffield Eagles will be without their captain and prop forward Jack Howieson after he was ruled out for up to six weeks with an arm injury.

Coach Mark Aston has also to find replacements for forwards Mitch Stringer and Sam Barlow, who both start two-match bans following incident in Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round game against Wigan Warriors.

Richie Barnett (ankle) is struggling to be fit, but Ryan Hepworth, Michael Haley and Ged Corcoran are available after recovering from injury.

Aston said: “Whitehaven are never an easy team to play. We have to work hard, and the bounce of the ball will start going your way and the wins will come along.”

Leroy Joe (calf) is a major concern for Whitehaven but Reece Fox returns after serving his suspension. Dexter Miller and Spencer Miller face late fitness tests.

Whitehaven coach Ged Stokes said: “Sheffield have copped it, like we have. We’ve struck all the top teams first up, but they are a very capable side.

“I’d imagine that they’d be disappointed so far and both teams are desperately looking for a good