lee smith compound fracture of thumb operated on today

How longs he out for ?

Smithy's been doing alright for us, but im less worried about this as we've got a few pretty decent centres and it makes it an easy shoe in for Reece Lyne to start after his impressive pre-season, i presume that's what will happen anyway.

We were never going to be as lucky with injuries this season as we were last season. I think we can cope with the ones we've got at present, but any more will start to be a worry.

As long as we don't have a spell where we have multiple long term injuries I think we'll be OK. 4 or 5 key players out for any length of time together would be devastating for our squad, 2 or 3 we can probably cover.

I was hoping to see Lee Smith recover some of his pre-Union form this year but at least Lyne has looked quite capable there in the friendlies, he will now get a chance to do it for real I guess and we'll see if he really is good enough.

You have a good size squad so should be able to cope with 4 or 5 out.

Could be up to 3 months. Bad break for LS in more ways than one.
Just starting to settle at WT scrored a cracker of a try against
Saints in friendly

From the clubs facebook account...

[iRichard Agar confirms that both Tim Smith and Andy Raleigh both have a chance of being fit for the Super League opener against Bradford Bulls. Lee Smith will be out of action for four weeks after suffering an open dislocation of his thumb in training this week.[/i

As with most teams, some players would be missed more than others.
Imagine Cas without Rangi !

Thankfully the centres are not a position the club are short on. Walshaw, Cowling or Mellars can fill in there whilst Smith is out.

Tim Smith and Andy Raleigh could be fit to play round 1, Lee smith out 4 weeks

or will be interesting to see if reece lynne gets a start

Gutted for him tbh, he just seemed to be starting to play well again, just got over his injuries and has had a good pre season with us, now this has happened. l I really thought he'd have a good season for us this year but I suppose there's still plenty of time for him to make that happen.

Like others have said at least it's a in a position we're well equipped in.