Withers facing spell on sidelines

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Wednesday 23rd Jun 2004.

Full back Mick Withers looks likely to be out for two to three weeks with a knee ligament strain that forced him from the field against Huddersfield.

Speaking from Ireland, where the Bulls are currently in the final day of a four-day promotional tour, coach Brian Noble said: "Mick is going to struggle for a couple of weeks. He is very sore."

There was better news on Leon Pryce, however, with the shoulder injury he suffered in the same match not preventing him from training in Ireland.

Stuart Reardon's fine attacking display after reverting to full back in place of Withers on Sunday was another positive and Noble remains upbeat about his side's performance in the 40-12 victory.

"I'm as positive today as I was on Sunday," he said following the coaching staff's video review of the game.

"I felt we got ourselves a football team back on Sunday. It was pleasing in a lot of respects and the players certainly deserve plenty of credit, but we have still got lots of improvement in us."

Club chairman Chris Caisley said the Ireland trip would prove a valuable exercise.

"It's an extension to our community and charity works that will be going on through the foundation that we launched on Friday," he said.

"And obviously we are looking to Ireland for talent, particularly in view of the way we are restricted in our search over here."

But Caisley has scotched suggestions the trip would double as a mid-season bonding exercise for the players.

"They will be working while they are over there. It's not a holiday. It is part and parcel of their job to promote the club and to promote the brand.

"People relate to star players so we felt it very important that they go."

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