Workington Town’s recent recruit David Weetman faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a horror injury at London Skolars.
The prop forward was stretchered off and taken to hospital in the capital after breaking his ankle, and the League One game was held up for 10 minutes.
Weetman, who had previously been with Newcastle Thunder, only signed for Town last month and is the latest in a growing list of injured players.
Coach Chris Thorman said: “I’m afraid he has a dislocated and broken ankle which is likely to need an operation.
“You knew right away that something was badly wrong when the players around him reacted as they did.
“Full credit to our medical staff, London’s medical team and the ambulance crew who came to take him to hospital.
“It’s yet another middle forward we’ve lost and we’ve hardly had time to use him because of the short time he’s been with us.
“Over the year I think we’ve lost seven to injury, which makes it tough.”
Town won the game 35-18 but look as though they will have to settle for a second place finish and take their chance in the end-of-season play-offs.
Barrow retained top spot after a dramatic win at Rochdale and their final game is at home to perennial strugglers West Wales Raiders while Town have a stiffer test against revitalised Hunslet at Derwent Park.
