Workington Town forward Tom Curwen faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a bad injury at Doncaster on Sunday.
Curwen, who only re-joined the club during the winter after a spell back at amateur club Seaton Rangers, broke his ankle during the Challenge Cup-tie.
There’s also concern for coach Anthony Murray over fellow forward Malik Steele who suffered a quod injury during the game.
“It’s a blow losing Tom because he will be on the side-lines for a while, joining Carl Forber as a long term absentee. We will assess Malik during the week and there are a couple of others with knocks and bruises from the game.
“Whilst it was disappointing to lose the game to a late try I was more than happy with the performance. The lads all put in a real shift and if we can maintain that level throughout the season we won’t be far away.
“Doncaster have been to the last two League Pone Grand Finals and are a good, well-coached side. To run them that close in their own back yard was very encouraging.
“We had been told there were three minutes left when they scored but after they nkicked the goal and we re-started to them the hooter went,” said Murray.
The Town coach also had a word for new Australian winger Sean Sabutey who helped himself to a hat-trick of tries.
“Sean took his tries really well after getting some great service from the lads inside. He has settled in really well and as well as being a good player he is a good person, too, which is important at the club.
“We had seen some video clips of him in action, liked what we saw and set-up the deal from there so it’s been great to see him among the tries so early in his career over here,” added Murray.
Town have a big test on Sunday when they entertain Dewsbury Rams, favourites to win League One this season after going down along with the Cumbrians last season.
