Coach Danny McGuire has revealed why Castleford Tigers captain Sam Wood missed Saturday’s 29-6 home loss to Leeds Rhinos.
Tigers lined up with Louis Senior, who was a substitute in the previous week’s big win over Salford Red Devils, at centre and Dan Okoro came into the 17 on the bench.
“Woody has been struggling with a shoulder problem for a few weeks,” McGuire explained in his post-match press conference.
“He has tried, he has played through it and played tough, but he just couldn’t get through training this week.
“He’s probably a few weeks away. He will hopefully be back after the [Challenge Cup final] break.”
It was the second game of Louis Senior’s comeback from a year-long injury layoff and his first start.
McGuire said: “He was ready and I thought he was very good. I am really liking some of the stuff he is doing.
“He has had a tough couple of years with injury, but I thought he and Innes [Senior] looked really good. I’d just like us to get them more ball and more opportunities.”
Tigers lost two front-rowers to head knocks after they came off worst trying to tackle Rhinos’ two-try substitute Sam Lisone.
Starting prop Tom Amone will miss next Friday’s visit to Wembley-bound Warrington Wolves after failing a head injury assessment.
Replacement front-rower Muizz Mustapha also underwent a concussion check late in the contest, but McGuire confirmed: “He is fine – he passed his HIA.
“He has got the biggest shiner you have ever seen, but that’s what happens when you run into a truck, I suppose.”
McGuire reckoned Mustapha’s whole-hearted effort summed up a resilient performance by Tigers.
“He threw himself about like a mad man,” McGuire said. “It wasn’t perfect from him, but he tried so hard and that’s all I ask.
“He is probably five stone lighter than Lisone and he was throwing himself in front of him at the back end.”
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