KEITH MASON and Joe Wardle have been ruled out of Giants action for up to six weeks.

The duo suffered their injuries during  Sunday's Carnegie Challenge Cup defeat at Castleford Tigers, with prop Mason suffering knee damage and centre Wardle ruled out with a  hamstring problem.

The news was confirmed by head coach Nathan Brown after scans revealed the full extent of the damage.

"It's disappointing when you lose players for periods of time, but at the end end of the day there's not a lot you can do about it," said Brown.

"We've a fair list of  people out, but unfortunately those guys can't help us against Hull KR on Saturday, so we've just got to get on with it.

"Plenty of sides go through it at different stages and it's our turn at the moment."

The absence of Mason and Wardle could hand an opening to the likes of Andy Raleigh and Graeme Horne to step up, with young back-rower Jacob Fairbank -  who has been on loan at Championship club Halifax - another whocould now come into the Giants' Super League frame.