Whitehaven have suffered a further serious injury blow ahead of Sunday’s Coral Challenge Cup clash with Rochdale.

Already without wingers Andrew Bulman and Dave Thompson, promising young prop forward Ethan Kelly has also been side-lined with an arm fracture.

Kelly took a knock on the arm during the game at West Wales on Sunday but it was only when he got home that it really started to bother him.

Coach Gary Charlton said: “He went to see about it and a break in the arm was discovered. He’s in a pot for a month but should be ok again soon after that.

“It’s a big blow for Ethan as he has taken to pro rugby really well and he was just getting into his stride. With Andrew and Dave that makes three players who won’t be able to face the Hornets on Sunday.”

Bulman suffered a broken cheekbone and a fractured eye socket against West Wales and he has been to see a specialist this week with the outcome that he is currently exploring treatment issues.

Thompson was unable to return to the field after half-time at Llanelli and although he appears to be in less pain and discomfort than he was will go for a scan on Monday to determine the full extent of the injury.

The one bright spot this week for Haven has been Jordan Burns being cleared to play after being stood down because of a head injury.