YORK KNIGHTS are set to be without wingers David Nofoaluma and Ben Jones-Bishop for Saturday’s visit of St Helens.
Nofoaluma, who has scored twelve tries in 17 appearances on loan from partners Newcastle Thunder, failed a head-injury assessment in the closing stages of last week’s 24-22 loss to Huddersfield Giants.
He had opened the scoring against the Giants – grounding Paul McShane’s teasing chip – but displayed concussion symptoms amid the Knights’ late comeback.
“That last carry, I thought it was unusual for Dave not to be on the end of that pass of Fozzy’s (Matty Foster),” admitted head coach Mark Applegarth.
“I thought he was winded, but it turns out he didn’t have a clue what day of the week it is.
“Obviously he’s failed his HIA, so he’ll be stood down for next week.”
Second-rower Oli Field also took a head knock, whilst Jesse Dee – York’s standout against Toulouse a week prior – has been hospitalised.
“Fieldy has passed his (HIA), which is a bit of positive news there,” added Applegarth.
“Jesse Dee was missing, he’d been in hospital all week with an infection.
“Apart from that, I think we’re good to go.”
The head coach expects Jones-Bishop, who has been sidelined since March with a broken foot, to return in mid-August.
“He won’t make it for St Helens,” said Applegarth. “I think I’d be risking too much if we did throw him in.
“Bish would put his hand up, but I think realistically, it’ll be the week after (at Leigh Leopards).
“He’s not far off at all, but he’s not training with us yet, and he’s not due to train with us until the week after.”
Applegarth prefers to be cautious rather than rushing the 37-year-old back too quickly.
“With a player who’s been out that long, you just don’t want to risk him because he’s such a valuable player to us and a person to us, that I’ve also got to do the right thing by him.
“When I look at the bigger picture, would I want to play him? Of course I would.
“But I also don’t want to upset his injury and make sure he’s out, and then missing pre-season for example.”