Castleford Tigers half-back Luke Gale admits they have missed the “massive” presence of pivot partner Ben Roberts in the team in recent weeks.
Roberts is back in Castleford’s 19-man squad for the West Yorkshire derby against Leeds on Thursday, although it is still not guaranteed he will take part.
Gale has been playing in the halves with Wigan loanee Ryan Hampshire, and whilst he said he believes that pairing will get better with time, the absence of Roberts has been a blow for the Tigers due to their superb combination.
“He has been massive for us,” Gale told the Pontefract and Castleford Express. “It has been a good combination with him and myself.
“We have hit a few injuries in key positions and if any team loses their first half-back they are going to struggle.
“I am not sure if he’s back this week. We’ll have to make the most of what we’ve got and I’ll have to strike up a relationship with Ryan Hampshire. Hopefully that will come, but you are going to miss key personnel.
