Halifax blow as Donlan is ruled out for season
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The new Halifax coach, Tony Anderson, has suffered a blow to the club's chances of Super League survival with the news that Stuart Donlan will miss the rest of the season.
Donlan has had surgery on a wrist ligament problem and also cracked a cheekbone in the defeat by Warrington on Sunday. The combination of the two means that he will be out of action for six weeks, also making him a doubtful starter for England A's match against New Zealand at Brentford on 30 October, for which he has been named in the squad.
Donlan, normally a centre, is already standing in at full-back for another long-term injury victim, Daryl Cardiss.
Now Anderson must find someone in his depleted squad to take over the role, starting with the match at Salford on Sunday, in which defeat would plunge Halifax deep into relegation trouble.
The much-travelled Australian utility back, Deon Bird, is migrating once more. Bird, who left Hull for Wakefield a few weeks ago, has signed for Widnes next season.
Widnes will be without their front row forward, Ryan McDonald, for the rest of the season. McDonald broke an arm in the victory over Salford on Sunday – his comeback match after a serious leg injury.
David Furner will miss Wigan's game against St Helens on Sunday after undergoing minor knee surgery. His team-mate Brett Dallas has returned to Australia for an operation on a more serious knee injury.
York, who closed down in mid-season, have raised the £75,000 they need for reinstatement into the Rugby League next year. The new club is to be a separate entity from its predecessor, shedding the "Wasps" nickname and logo.
The Rugby Football League is taking on extra staff and opening its ticket office on Saturday mornings in order to cope with the rush for the Super League grand final in October, the three-Test series against New Zealand in November and the Challenge Cup final in Cardiff next April.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments