Less definitive news on St Helens prop Luke Thompson who is struggling with a rib injury
Sunday 27 October 2019 09:26, UK
Great Britain have confirmed Wigan Warriors centre Oliver Gildart will not play again on tour after dislocating a shoulder in Saturday's opening 14-6 defeat by a Tongan Invitational XIII.
Coach Wayne Bennett anticipated the news after Gildart left the field with his arm in a sling during the second half of the game in Hamilton and those fears were realised after the player went for scans.
A spokesman said there are no plans at this stage to send for a replacement, with Bennett indicating in the post-match press conference that Hull utility back Jake Connor would most likely get his chance in the first Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.
Britain's other centre Zak Hardaker, Gildart's room-mate, says the injury is a blow for the tourists.
"I'm really gutted for him," Hardaker said. "I thought he was one of our best players yesterday. His carries were really good and he was very solid in defence.
"He's a young lad and he took me to the cleaners yesterday, I had to fold up his stuff, pack his bag, iron his t-shirt, more or less put food in his mouth.
"No, I'm really gutted for him, his dad was going to come over to watch as well."
There is less definitive news of Britain's other casualty from the bruising game at the Waikato Stadium, St Helens prop Luke Thompson, who went off with a rib injury after just 12 minutes.
The spokesman said Thompson was being treated by the Great Britain medical team and remains in the squad.
The Lions play two Tests against the Kiwis, in Auckland and Christchurch, before rounding off the tour with a match against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.
