Injuries are beginning to bite at the Hawks

Mackay suffered a shoulder injury in the iPro Sport Cup defeat by York City Knights five days ago.

Lee Waterman, among the substitutes last week, will also be missing when the south Leeds team face Barrow Raiders in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup third round on Sunday.

He needed hospital treatment after suffering a head injury against York and is ruled out under the sport’s concussion laws.

Fellow replacement Craig Robinson is doubtful due to a rib injury and coach Matt Bramald said: “We could do without these injuries at this stage, especially as we’ve already got Ayden Faal, Matthew Tebb, Aston Wilson and a few others missing.”

There is better news for Featherstone Rovers ahead of Sunday’s home meeting with Oldham in the Kingstone Press Championship.

Rovers’ trip to Whitehaven last week was postponed, allowing extra time for players to recover. Coach Jon Sharp said: “Jamie Cording and Colton Roche are back in contention, after being out for two and three weeks respectively. Kyle Briggs had a bit of a sore ankle and that has had time to clear up as well.”

Dewsbury Rams have no new injury worries for Sunday’s visit of Whitehaven, but coach Glenn Morrison says there will be changes following a 38-16 defeat at Oldham last week. Dewsbury’s reserves turned in an impressive performance to beat Halifax’s second string on Monday and Morrison said: “I think we’ll have a few changes. We had a few boys back playing in the second team and they played well. Some players needed some minutes after injury and they showed they are ready to go. After last week we will be looking to improve in a couple of areas and get people back on their toes.”

Hooker James Davey has recovered from a hamstring problem and could return for Batley Bulldogs at Halifax on Sunday.

Prop Sean Hesketh is also getting close to a comeback following off-season knee surgery, but coach John Kear said: “I think he needs a bit more work to get him up to speed.”