Castleford Tigers are beginning to pick up a steady stream of injuries ahead of Super League XX kicking off next weekend, with several key players set to miss the season opener against Wakefield.
The Tigers lost new recruit Matt Cook prior to the friendly against Widnes, as well as losing two other key players in Oliver Holmes and Ben Roberts during that game.
And Powell provided a mixed prognosis for that injured trio ahead of the big match against the Wildcats, with Cook definitely in line to miss the beginning of the campaign.
“It was not perfect to pick up injuries like we did last Sunday,” Powell said.
“Matt Cook injured his hamstring in the warm-up before the game and Oliver Holmes picked up a bit of a groin injury. Ben Roberts got a little bit of a calf injury as well and with the heavy conditions quite a few of the boys cramped up a little bit in the calves.
“Matt Cook’s injury is a grade two tear and he will be out for three or four weeks so obviously looks like missing the Wakefield game. It’s disappointing for him because he has done well in pre-season.
“Oliver Holmes is going to have a scan on his injury, but we’re hoping he’ll be okay and we’re hoping to be able to manage him through.”
On Roberts, Powell said that whilst he should be fine for next Sunday, they also have injury worries over a number of other key players too – but Junior Moors will be right for next Sunday.
“Ben Roberts should be okay for the start of the season as it’s just a tweak in his calf. We’ll see how he goes over the next week, but I’m hopeful he’ll be available. Luke Dorn as well after he’s had a pectoral muscle problem.
“Lee Jewitt will definitely miss the start of the season because he needs another operation. It’s a blow for him. He had an operation on his hip and he needs a double hernia by the looks now so we’ve just got to get him through it.
“Frankie Mariano is getting better. He had a really big operation on his wrist, which has been causing him trouble for a couple of years. He’s a few weeks away from full training, but he’s getting there.
