Powell confident Eden will be ready to go as he closes in on long-awaited return

Castleford coach Daryl Powell has revealed that Greg Eden could be set to end his injury nightmare at former club Hull KR on Friday – and insists the winger will be ready to go if selected.

Eden’s season has been stunted by two hamstring injuries this season, including one in his initial comeback which has ruled him out of action up to now.

But last season’s top try-scorer is almost ready to return – and Powell admits not only it will be a significant boost, but he is confident there will be no recurrence of the injury again.

When asked about team news for Friday’s game in hand against Rovers, he said: “Injury-wise we need to check as we go through the week. I don’t think Jake Webster will be available, but Greg Eden potentially could be, as could Joe Wardle. But we’ll check them as we get closer, and there will be a couple of changes to the team too.

“Greg has had enough time and we’ve been extremely cautious with him. He’s had a couple of weeks of real serious week to get him to go, but he’s a fast athlete, so he’s more prone to hamstring injuries. But I’m confident he’ll be ready this time.”

There is some disappointing news on the injury front, though – as half-back Ben Roberts is set for a spell on the sidelines following yet another injury setback.

“Ben has torn his hamstring,” Powell said after the Samoan left the field during Thursday’s loss to St Helens.

“I’m not sure quite how long that’s going to be, but he’s not going to play this week, that is for sure. I haven’t spoke to him too much. He missed our review because he was off getting a scan but he’s not as durable as he would want to be at the moment. He’s come back, got another injury which is disappointing for him and us.”