Hornets could be without eight players as injury crisis hits

Photo: Jackie Meredith

Jo Taira is one of eight Hornets players who could miss the game against Swinton

Rochdale Hornets will be down to the bare bones ahead of their crucial derby clash with Swinton Lions on Sunday, with as many as eight players expected to miss out.

Miles Greenwood returned to action in last week’s defeat to Dewsbury Rams but has been left frustrated by a knee injury which has ruled him out of the Swinton game.

Lewis Palfrey also returned following a spell on the sidelines, but a reoccurrence of a neck injury means he won’t feature this time out.

Gary Middlehurst won’t be able to play following a concussion suffered against Dewsbury in a huge blow to Hornest coach Alan Kilshaw’s forward pack.

There are also a number of doubts, as the club’s leading try scorer Rob Massam has been rocked by a knee injury, and explosive front rower Jo Taira is struggling with a hip problem.

Jono Smith is another player expected to miss out because of a dead leg, while Gavin Bennion is a doubt due to a foot injury.

Lewis Galbraith is the final name on the lengthy list as he will be serving the first game of his suspension.

It comes at a terrible time for the club as they have just three games remaining before the start of the Championship Shield, with Hornets eyeing a top eight finish heading into the second stage of the season.