Warrington boss confirms huge 10-week injury blow
Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.
Warrington head coach Daryl Powell has confirmed that back-rower Matty Nicholson will miss up to 10 weeks of action through a finger injury.
The 19-year-old sustained the blow last week in the win over Wakefield, and will require surgery on a ruptured tendon in his ring finger.
Nicholson was a notable absentee ahead of the side’s fixture with Hull KR in Super League, with Josh McGuire slotting into the back-row and James Harrison named at loose.
Powell’s side were made to fight back from 12-0 behind to claim a 21-14 victory at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, a win that sees them go two points clear at the top of the table.
It’s the second blow for Nicholson this year, having suffered a dislocated shoulder in the season opener against Leeds.
“Matty Nicholson injured his finger last week. He ruptured a tendon at the bottom of his finger,” Powell confirmed.
“His finger needs an operation to repair that tendon, otherwise his finger is stuck straight for the rest of his life which is not great for a young player.
“That’s going to be 10-weeks. It’s a tough injury for him and for us. But I thought Josh McGuire did a good job in the back-row today and looked pretty solid there.”
Meanwhile, outside-back Connor Wrench is set to make his return from injury for the club’s reserves on Saturday at Victoria Park following a nine-month injury lay-off.
The 21-year-old hasn’t played since suffering an ACL injury in their 32-18 defeat to Toulouse last August.
Warrington boss provides injury update on Matty Russell
Powell has confirmed that Matty Russell will miss next weekend’s Challenge Cup clash with Catalans due to a head injury.
The 29-year-old winger was forced from the field in the second half against Hull KR.
The Scotland international dived onto a loose ball after Mikey Lewis hit the post with a penalty conversion, and was injured in the resulting tackle.
It saw Josh Thewlis return to the action on the wing, having started the game at full-back before swapping with interchange Matt Dufty late on in the first 40.
“It’s a bad cut on his forehead,” Powell said. “He’s stitched up and out of next week. He’s alright and he’s talking OK, but it’s a fair whack to his head.”
Meanwhile, Gil Dudson will be available against the Dragons after serving his suspension.
Super League round-up: Wins for Leeds, Warrington, Leigh & Catalans
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