Hull KR's Sam Luckley on injury, Sam Burgess and Newcastle season tickets

06 March 2024 , 18:43

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Hull KR's Sam Luckley scores against Leigh last year (Image: PA)

Sam Luckley is ready to put his injury torment behind him and fire Hull KR up the ladder.

The popular Geordie prop takes on Warrington on Thursday after a belated start to the Super League season. He missed wins over Hull FC and Leeds while recovering from major foot surgery but returned in Saturday’s 17-10 loss at Salford. Scotland international Luckley conceded: “It was frustrating missing the season start.

“I had a Lisfranc fracture. They had to realign the joint and have synthetic ligament put in. There’s a big scar down the middle of the foot and another on the side where there’s a metal bar and hook to keep it all solid and straight. It can take up to eight months but luckily I didn’t need the full op’ and was only out about 12 weeks.

“I was also a week or two early and happy with the recovery. We’re looking forward to facing Warrington especially after letting ourselves down against Salford. We want to right a few wrongs.”

Sam Burgess’ Warrington have won their last two games since losing their opener in Perpignan and could also have England captain George Williams back from his own injury at Craven Park. Luckley, 28, said: “We’re expecting a good game. Sam Burgess had a reputation as a tough forward and was a great player. “He’ll be instilling that in his players. And they have some big names so they won’t be short of quality.

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“But I’ve nothing but confidence in our team and its ability. And we’re at home. It’ll be a tough challenge for them to come here and get the points off us.”

Hull KR's Sam Luckley (PA)

After helping Rovers reach Wembley and the top-four in his first season after joining from Salford, Luckley “absolutely” believes Willie Peters’ side can kick on to another level in 2024. He’s also delighted to see his first club Newcastle Thunder playing again after they initially quit amid a financial crisis following relegation from the Championship in October. Luckley said: “I’m glad they’ve been able to sort themselves out.

“Even my mother went and bought season tickets just to give them some money. If she’s not watching me - hopefully I take priority! - she tries to watch them. I’m really happy they get to have another go. There’s some great players in the north-east. They need a platform to play.

“It’s like a fresh start now. I’m really looking forward to seeing them. I know they’ve had some big scorelines against them but they’re only playing young kids and uni’ students at the moment so it will be hard when you’re playing the likes of Wakefield. I wish them all the best and sure I’ll get to catch some games when I get home."

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David Craven