CATALAN Dragons scrum-half Scott Dureau has been ruled out of Sunday’s Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-final against Warrington although fears he has suffered a major injury have been allayed.
The influential Australian, who last week signed a three-year contract extension, went off with a knee injury in last Saturday’s 27-20 Stobart Super League win over Huddersfield in Perpignan.
There were fears Dureau (left) could have been facing a lengthy lay-off but scans have shown there is no ligament damage and he could be back playing in a fortnight.
“There is just meniscus damage,” said coach Trent Robinson.
“Obviously it’s not ideal because there is a bit of a tear there but it’s nothing major.
“He won’t need an arthroscope yet and hopefully it will settle down and he’ll miss only a couple of weeks.”
The Dragons were able to switch utility back Thomas Bosc from the wing to plug the gap short-term against the Giants and the experienced French international played a key role in the victory.
Robinson also has the option of bringing in young French half-back William Barthau, who made seven Super League appearances for the club in 2010.
“Will has trained more at half-back than Thomas but Thomas is a lot more experienced,” he said. “We’ll make a decision later in the week.”
Robinson was relieved to avoid further injury against the Giants as the Catalans bid for a second trip to Wembley in six years.
Warrington coach Tony Smith, whose side crashed to a 44-16 league defeat in Perpignan last month, gambled on resting four regulars in Sunday’s 24-20 win over Salford.
“Tony took a punt and it paid off,” added Robinson.
