Rugby League: Bradford counting cost of injuries

BRADFORD Northern and Warrington are, in their different ways, counting the cost of their clash in midweek, writes Dave Hadfield. Bradford, whose victory at Odsal on Wednesday preserved their perfect record this season, have a casualty list of three key players who are doubtful for tomorrow's match at home to Widnes.

Karl Fairbank has blurred vision following a cut eyelid and both Deryck Fox and Paul Medley needed stitches in head wounds.

Warrington's defeat means that they have dropped five points from their first five matches, a record that comes worryingly close to putting them out of contention for the championship.

Dave Elliot replaces Gary Sanderson, who has had concussion, in their pack against Oldham, who bring in Joe Faimalo and Nigel Heslop.

The Western Samoan forward, Apollo Perelini, makes his St Helens debut as a substitute against Workington. Saints' reshuffle sees Shane Cooper and Paul Loughlin return, with Sean Casey switching to hooker and Simon Booth to stand-off. Saints are keen on signing the Queensland and Brisbane Broncos prop, Gavin Allen, who has given up hope of a Kangaroo tour place this autumn.

Phil Coussons replaces the transfer-listed Jason Critchley in Salford's side to face an unchanged Featherstone Rovers. Salford's summer signing from Wigan, Sam Panapa, returns after missing last week's defeat by St Helens because his wife was giving birth.

Dean Sampson is in contention for a place in Castleford's unbeaten team, at home to Sheffield Eagles. Andy Hay is in for Tony Morrison.

Sheffield, without the suspended Richard Price, are looking for a new overseas player. Darrell Trindall will not be returning from Sydney, where he flew to be with his sick son, after playing only one game.

Wakefield Trinity, who go to Doncaster, have agreed a loan exchange with Castleford, taking the winger, David Nelson, with second-row Lynton Morris moving in the opposite direction.

The key match in the Second Division is at Hendon FC, where the London Broncos meet another of the sides strongly fancied for promotion, Keighley Cougars. London will be without John Gallagher who has retired.