JACK ASHWORTH and Jenson Windley have been recalled by Castleford Tigers following a number of key injury blows.
The pair, who had been on loan at Championship clubs Doncaster and Halifax Panthers respectively, have returned to the Tigers, who lost five players to injury in a costly 48-6 loss to Wakefield Trinity at Magic Weekend.
Cain Robb, Brock Greacen, and George Hirst all failed HIAs, whilst Darnell McIntosh injured his groin and Liam Hood took a bang to the neck.
“We are still assessing Darnell McIntosh and Liam Hood, they are in doubt,” said head coach Ryan Carr.
“There are injuries in rugby league you can push through, and there are some you don’t go through that line with, those are neck and head injuries.
“We’ve got to do the best thing for the player.”
Meanwhile, George Hirst and Brock Greacen will be out for an extended period of time following their second head knocks in the space of a month.
“George and Brock have had two head knocks in a month and they have to be out for nearly a month now seeing a specialist,” Carr explained.
“George has been great considering he didn’t do pre-season with us.
“He has had some starts, he’s come off the bench and missed games with injury and suspension.
“He’s a really hard worker and does what he can to help the team. He will be a lot better for the experience.”
Carr confirmed Ashworth, sent to Doncaster in search of regular game time and match fitness, will be in contention to face Leigh Leopards on Saturday.
“There are some forwards like Sam Hall and Jack Ashworth who have done a good job for us in the reserves and in the Championship,” he explained.
“I’m confident they can do a job for us. Jack was sent to Doncaster to get some regular game time under his belt and get up to match fitness and he has done a good job of that so he we will be in contention.
“He’s handled being out of the team great. He’s got a great attitude and has been training really.
“He played well at Doncaster and competed hard there so he has been doing everything he can in what he can control.”