The Maitland Blacks have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the season opener on Saturday against Southern Beaches with skipper Michael Howell to be sidelined for the first half of the season.
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Blacks coach Mick Hickling said Howell suffered a crack at the top of his humerus bone near his shoulder in the trial against Merewether and would need an extended break for the bone to knit.
“Obviously he and the club are disappointed as he was excited about playing with the forward pack we have assembled this year with a few new blokes and a young backline.
“They say it takes about six weeks to knit and then recovery from there.
“He thought he had injured his shoulder but it turns out it was a crack in the humerus.”
While Howell is a major loss, the Blacks have added to their forward depth with Irish prop James Robinson and New Zealand forward Travis Brooke to start in Saturday’s clash at Marcellin Park.
They will be joined by Sapatia Peniata from The Waratahs who has been an instant hit on the field and with the playing group. He will play alongside Anderson Medal-winner Nick Davidson and James Johnston.
Johnston returns to the club after missing last season with work commitments and Hickling said the club was excited about having him back.
Hickling said the Blacks’ trial form had been encouraging despite a two-try loss to Merewether in their second match.
He said in addition to the bolstered forward pack, the club will also be introducing several young players to the backling.
“Jono O’Toole has his chance to start at halfback this year, he wants to make it his home. He has been playing quite well there in the trials,” he said.
“He has worked very hard on his game in the off-season and hopefully he’ll have a big season.
“Fullback Max Stafford is another young bloke who came through Colts last year. He is a pretty versatile sort of player, he played a bit at halfback and a bit on the wing for us in the trials.”
Chris Martin and Rob Williamson are on the wings and Jye Estatheo and Chris Logan’s successful centre pairing contiunes
Hickling said Rhys Clacherty would make his first grade debut at No. 10.
“He really has been working hard on his game and fitness in the off-season and deserves his start,” Hickling said.
The front row will be James Robinson, James Curran and Rhys Watson, second row Klass Hougland and Travis Brooke and loose forwards Nick Davidson, Sapatia Peniata and James Johnston.
