Warrington Wolves’ injury hoodoo looks set to continue for a good few weeks, as they are set to be without the services of James Laithwaite for up to six weeks of action.
Laithwaite has played 16 times so far for Warrington in 2014, but has suffered a broken bone in his foot, leaving him out of action for a lengthy period.
With both Ben Westwood and Trent Waterhouse out with injuries, the loss of Laithwaite leaves Warrington incredibly light in the second-row, and Smith admits it is a big blow ahead of the cup quarter-final clash.
The voodoo has struck again,” coach Tony Smith said. “Poor old James has been playing exceptionally well and really coming on but he’s out for approximately six weeks.
“Hopefully we’ll get the all-clear on Simon Grix and we get back a seasoned campaigner that’s been very good for us in recent years.”
However, the Wolves boss expects Joel Monaghan to be fit to face the Bulls, after suffering a facial injury against Leeds last Friday.
“He hasn’t trained this week but with a nine-day turn-around I’m pretty confident he’ll come through by Sunday,” Smith said.