Tuesday 24 May 2016 18:41, UK
Castleford will be without Samoa international Ben Roberts for the rest of the season with a foot injury, coach Daryl Powell has confirmed.
The 30-year-old aggravated the injury on his comeback from a 10-week lay-off during Saturday's win over Warrington at the Magic Weekend and will have surgery on Wednesday.
Roberts, who is in his second season with the Tigers, signed a new three-year contract in March, just four days after sustaining the original injury in only the fourth match of the season.
"We tried to rest his foot and get him back out there but unfortunately he's not right," said Powell. "He'll have his operation on Wednesday and hopefully that will be the end of it.
"It's a long recovery procedure but that is what it is and there is not much we can do about it. He's ruptured the tendons that attach some of the bones in his foot together.
"It's been a tough season for Ben. He started the year in outstanding form and then the St Helens game was the turning point for him. He's been in a lot of pain and tried to get back on his feet but he's just been unable to do it.
"There must have been a severe weakness in the foot for it to rupture like it has. In some ways it will be less frustrating for him now, as he's been constantly trying to get himself back on the field."
Team-mate Jake Webster admits the injury to Roberts is a blow for the team.
"It was fantastic to get him back last week and to hear the news that he's out is pretty bad," said Webster.
"He's a close mate of mine and I really feel for him. But I'm pretty sure he's going to be around to help out any way he can."
During Roberts' first stint on the sidelines, Powell has turned to many options to fill the former New Zealand international's spot in the team. Ryan Hampshire and Paul McShane have shown promise in the position and prop Grant Millington has also jumped in to play the position.
Hampshire, who is on a season-long loan from Wigan, has been called into the Tigers' 19-man squad for Thursday's home game against the Warriors but Powell could also turn to Paul McShane, a specialist hooker who has deputised superbly in the absence of Roberts and his half-back partner Luke Gale this season.
Castleford will also be without forward Nathan Massey because of a head knock but Larne Patrick and Lee Jewitt are back in contention.
Wigan have lost skipper Sean O'Loughlin after he picked up a thigh injury in his side's Magic Weekend win over Leeds but second rower Joel Tomkins is set to return after failing a late fitness test on a knee injury last week.
Meanwhile, Wigan coach Shaun Wane says he expects to be without prop Tony Clubb for up to three months with a neck injury sustained in the defeat by Hull a fortnight ago.
"It's a blow," said Wane. "It is sad that we've lost two very good middles for what could be long periods."
