Wildcats hit by Solomona injury

Wakefield are resigned to being without David Solomona for the next two months, starting with Sunday's Powergen Challenge Cup tie against Hull, regardless of today's rugby league disciplinary hearing.

Wakefield are resigned to being without David Solomona for the next two months, starting with Sunday's Powergen Challenge Cup tie against Hull, regardless of today's rugby league disciplinary hearing.

The New Zealand forward is due to face charges of punching Huddersfield's Chris Nero in their match on Good Friday, but now the result of that case is academic. Solomona broke his hand in the first half of the Wildcats' shock victory over Leeds on Monday night and will be in plaster for six weeks.

"He played until he couldn't handle it any more," said the Wakefield coach, Shane McNally. "It's a shame, because he played absolutely fantastically for us and he has been one of our best players throughout the year."

The loss of Solomona for the Hull tie could be offset by the return of Sam Obst, Julian O'Neill and Kevin King, with Sid Domic also possibly set to re-appear.

Hull have injury problems at hooker for the match. Their captain, Richard Swain, is out for three months with a broken arm, into which he has had a plate inserted. Peter Lupton, who replaced him in that position for the defeat by Wigan on Monday, has torn his pectoral muscle and will be out for several weeks.

The other player facing possible suspension at today's disciplinary hearing is Leigh's Richard Moore, who faces a double charge. He is accused of using his knees in a tackle and of involvement in another off-the-ball incident during Leigh's first win of the season, over London.

Widnes have had good news regarding their stand-off Owen Craigie, who was expected to be out for three months with a knee injury. A scan has revealed that he could be back in action within a fortnight.

The club has rejected an approach from Hull KR for their Welsh international centre, Adam Hughes. "We didn't even give them an answer, because we want Adam to remain a Widnes player," said his coach, Frank Endacott.

Swinton are set to become the first British club since Fulham and Ryedale-York in 1991 to play in Russia. Having beaten Lokomotiv Moscow in the third round of the Challenge Cup, the Lions are planning a visit to play them on their home soil.

Swinton are also expected to invite Lokomotiv's coaching staff back to England, so that they can experience coaching methods at both National League and Super League levels.