If there is one club that could benefit from the Rugby League lockdown, perhaps it is Hull Kingston Rovers.
The Robins are currently feeling the effects of a crippling injury list that has left nine players on the treatment table and left them down to just 18 fit players for their Challenge Cup clash with Leigh last time out.
However, with Rugby League looking at a long hiatus, the Robins will be able to nurse their wounded back to health for the time when the season does return.
“It’s not the positive we’re looking for, but it gives us a chance to recuperate,” head coach Tony Smith said.
“We’ve had our fair share of injuries, and hopefully we don’t carry on when the season restarts.”
Among those currently in rehab is Mitch Garbutt, who underwent knee surgery last week to try and overcome an ongoing problem.
“He had an exploratory operation on his knee because something hasn’t been quite right,” said Smith.
“He had an operation this week and it was quite minor; there was a little bit of cartilage in the wrong spot. But for someone who has had numerous knee problems it’s quite positive. He’s looking at a return in six or seven weeks, so the break is a godsend for Mitch.
HULL KR’S CURRENT INJURY LIST
Matt Parcell – ankle – 7-8 weeks
Will Maher – ankle – 7-8 weeks
Matty Storton – ankle – 8 weeks
Greg Minikin – knee – 12 weeks
Ben Crooks – neck – 7 weeks
Jamie Ellis – hamstring – 1 week
Robbie Mulhern – knee – 1 week
Mitch Garbutt – knee – 6-7 weeks
Mose Masoe – spine – forced to retire
Meanwhile, Smith thinks Super League’s revised calendar should be based around one thing and one thing only.
“How and whatever we need to allow our owners not to lose money,” Smith told League Express.
“We are so reliant on single-person ownership within each club that if they don’t get into a position where their head is above water, well, we’re going to have fewer teams and a limited competition.
“In terms of how the season is structured we will have to make adjustments whether we like it or not. We need the people who care for our sport to be able to sustain us as well with some help, and I think we will need some help for that to happen; but whatever it takes we should help the owners.”
