2:22pm Wednesday 17th March 2010
By Mike Critchley
VIKINGS have been dealt a massive blow with the news that prop Steve Pickersgill needs an operation on his injured neck and is likely to be out of action until the late summer.
The powerful front rower, who joined the club on a permanent three-year deal from Warrington in the off-season, aggravated the injury in the second game of the year at Batley.
The 24-year-old has seen a specialist who has recommended surgery and a considerable recovery period.
Coach Paul Cullen said: “At the minute Steve is under treatment with a view to having a serious neck operation.
“We have been concerned about his neck for a while and we have sought the best advice that we possibly can. It does not look too good.”
Pickersgill was a tower of strength during Vikings’ storming run to the Northern Rail Cup Final – performances that probably sealed his deal at the Stobart Stadium.
At least the good form of young Ben Kavanagh, the industry of the ever consistent Jim Gannon and Gareth Haggerty’s return to fitness means there is currently no real front row panic.
Cullen believes the injury has flared up following an innocuous knock at Batley last month after seeming to have the problem in check.
“He took a bang on his neck last year while at Warrington.
“That flared up when he was in his loan spell here and he was then taken back and played on with this particular problem.
“We have obviously signed him in the off-season and he has worked very hard to settle the neck down.
“He simply took an innocuous bang to it in his last game.
“He did well to come through that game, but it has not settled down since then.
“We are obviously concerned about it and have sent him to see a specialist.
“The specialist has come back with bad news and he does face a serious neck operation.
“We will take the next week or two to look at that, but this is not a short term injury and is not a short term recovery.
“At best it could be the back end of the season for us, but only time will tell.”
Cullen also revealed that centre Toa Kohe Love has had a second knee operation this season following the one he had at the end of last year.
“He has had problems since the previous operation and has not played since our fourth game of the season at Swinton.
“He has now had an operation and is well on the way to recovery.
“It is not a great concern that he is missing this week because I am sure Toa will be available for when the really big games come around,” Cullen said.
With dual registration player Shaun Ainscough being sent on loan to Castleford after being recalled by Wigan, Vikings are allowed to recruit another player on similar terms or on loan.
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