Wakefield injury problems pile up

John Kear’s play-off hopes have been dashed by injuries to several key members of his Wakefield squad ahead of the weekend’s game against St Helens.

Wingers Luke George (shoulder) and Dale Morton (knee) and young centre Danny Cowling (knee) are out for the rest of the season, with George due to have surgery in the next fortnight with the hope of returning to full fitness ahead of pre-season training in December.

Also on the treatment table with various knocks are full-backs Matt Blaymire and Aaron Murphy, centre Paul Johnson, prop Richard Moore, half-back Ben Jeffries and James Davey.

Back-rower Dale Ferguson had surgery for a hernia two weeks ago and has resumed training, but will not be match-fit for at least another fortnight.

Kear said: “We’re busted at the moment. There’s no particular reason but it’s just the time of the season with bumps, bruises and injury problems piling up.”

However, the Wildcats have been boosted by the return of playmaker Sam Obst (ankle) and Danny Kirmond (knee), with both likely to be named in Kear’s 19-man squad for Sunday’s match.