Unfortunately I don't think we can see Ashton as bad luck (although it is for him). The club clearly knew he was carrying a bd knock - hence Lindop on the bench- and they took a risk that has backfired badly.

Not sure that's fair. The issue Ashton had been suffering with a little was his his foot, not his knee, and I'd say it was more likely the fact King has been struggling with his groin that saw Lindop on the bench.  Aston was never a doubt for the semi - he only didn't play at Magic due to the HIA.

You have to feel for the lad. I'm worried about how he'll be when he returns. As someone who is so quick and relies so much on his pace and his explosiveness you'd have to wager that he will lose a bit of that. The only sportsmen I've seen return from an ACL as the same player as before is Virgil van Dijk. Ben Currie has never been the same player since he did his, remember how fast he was?

Ashton has developed beyond being a speed merchant, but I really hope that we get the recovery right and don’t rush this. This season is done for him, so let’s not try and force a pre season into him for early round fixtures.


We’ll miss the way he carries the ball off our line. Lindop the likely candidate to fill in, good chance for him to put his hand up and get 15 games under his belt and audition for the right centre spot, assuming Tai is going. 


The knock on effect is that Jake Thewlis can’t really go back to Salford with our backline being so depleted. At least until Wrench is back ready for first team, given King is carrying multiple knocks. Jake T will get a chance this week, and likely Cas too, but then on will likely be back to the reserves. 

Its a shame we can't get him off the salary cap and bring Dom Young over to replace him in between his stints for the Roosters and Newcastle!

Definitely not suggesting he's a speed merchant. He's the best finisher/winger in the league however he is also the fastest player in the league. Hopefully he doesn't lose that burst of pace off the mark.

Not at all, you can't blame conditioning for ACL injuries or the whole squad would have them.  Thomas did his ACL thanks to a tackle, his ACL didn't just go. 
Currie last did his ACL 7 years ago.
Philbins was 3 years ago etc
I get your thinking but i think it's just a spate of injuries at the minute, and Ashton was clearly risked by the club hence Lindop was on the bench, so they knew there was a problem anyway

I wince when I see such a fast, athletic, thoroughbred winger like Ashton have to smash into 'middles' first carry from his own line. I know it's the modern game, I just don't like it. He will be fortunate to retain his pace. 

"I wince when I see such a fast, athletic, thoroughbred winger like Ashton have to smash into 'middles' first carry from his own line. I know it's the modern game, I just don't like it. He will be fortunate to retain his pace."




Totally agree. You shouldn't have your best attacking players (like Dufty) smacking the ball up and getting crunched. There are plenty of others (the foot soldiers) to do that. The opposition must love it.