Leeds Rhinos coach David Furner hopeful on Jack Walker, Kallum Watkins and Brad Dwyer injuries
Sunday 28 April 2019 18:35, UK
Leeds coach David Furner is hoping injuries sustained by Jack Walker, Kallum Watkins and Brad Dwyer in their win over Hull KR are not too serious.
The precious 28-24 victory came at a cost, with Walker suffering a hamstring problem, Dwyer taking a knock to the shoulder and captain Watkins hurting his knee.
"We've got a few injuries there and credit to the players," Furner said. "That was a tough 40 minutes there [in the second half] and we probably put ourselves in that position.
"With Kallum I don't think the injury is as bad - which is a good sign. Jack Walker I'm hoping it's not so bad but I think it's a hamstring.
"That hurt us in the end. We hung on. And I suppose that's what the Easter period is about."
Furner is adamant Leeds are moving in the right direction, despite only notching their fourth win of the 2019 season.
"We've always been moving in the right direction, I think," he said. "Things can take you out of that direction, whether it's injuries or inexperience.
"The squad we had there were confident we could win the game, we just made it a little bit hard for ourselves in the second half."
Hull KR coach Tim Sheens has confirmed the club is on the lookout for new players to strengthen their depleted squad.
The Robins have been hit hard by injuries and last week signed Catalans prop Antoni Maria on a month's loan.
"The club's doing the best it can to strengthen us," Sheens said. "Things are being looked at but I'm not saying if we have anyone in mind. We're looking hard at it."
Prop Mitch Garbutt has undergone surgery and is expected to be back before the end of May.
"That was very successful, so we expect him back in two to four weeks, probably closer to two," Sheens said.
"I think maybe three weeks with any luck.. Mose [Masoe] will be back in four to five weeks."
Forward Lee Jewitt is going to visit a head specialist in London this week as he recovers from problems arising from concussion. Sheens is unsure when the veteran will be fit to play again.
"He'll either get a clearance or a long rest," the coach admitted. "I'm holding my breath on that one.
"He's suffering badly from concussion. If this one's a bad one I'm concerned about Lee's career too. I'm not going to panic at this stage."
Hull KR captain Joel Tomkins is also struggling with a back injury and was forced from the field in the loss to Leeds.
