An injury setback for Hull KR.
Hull KR back-rower James Batchelor has been stood down by the RFL on concussion protocols.
Hull KR have confirmed that James Batchelor has been stood down for a mandatory 12-day period on head injury grounds.
The influential back-rower scored twice in Rovers’ 32-12 Challenge Cup semi-final win over Warrington Wolves and was also forced from the field for a head injury assessment at Doncaster’s Eco-Power Stadium.
He initially passed the assessment and returned all in the second half, going on to help inspire Rovers’ route to Wembley.
However, he will now miss the next two Super League matches against Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors respectively, before facing the Cherry and Whites in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, May 30.
“Due to league-wide concussion protocols, the RFL have decided to stand James Batchelor down for a 12-day period in order to undertake the graduated concussion return-to-play protocol,” the club confirmed in a statement.
“James will continue to be monitored and supported by the club’s medical and performance staff throughout this process, with player welfare remaining the club’s highest priority.”
Meanwhile, full-back Arthur Mourgue is expected to be available for Saturday’s trip to the Leigh Sports Village. The French international has been sidelined since the World Club Challenge in February, where he suffered a serious pectoral injury.
The 27-year-old was named in Willie Peters’ extended squad to face Warrington in the Challenge Cup but did not feature, with Jack Broadbent retaining his place at full-back for the semi-final.
Prop forward Jordan Dezaria also remains sidelined with an eye socket injury.