In=form Huddersfield Giants half-back Jamie Ellis could be sidelined for up to 10 weeks.

But inspirational captain Danny Brough is in line for a return for Friday’s Super League XXI trip to champions Leeds Rhinos.

Ellis suffered major shoulder damage during Sunday’s bitterly-disappointing 38-16 home defeat to Widnes Vikings, with a decision on whether he needs surgery to be taken in the next two weeks.

His absence did leave Huddersfield facing the prospect of heading to Leeds without a recognised half-back.

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That could still be the case if Brough fails a late fitness test on the dead leg he suffered in the opening-round defeat at St Helens and forced him to miss the last two top-flight games against Wigan and Widnes.

But Anderson has made it clear he won’t be forced into bringing Brough back if he’s not 100%.

“Broughy was touch and go for the Widnes game at the weekend and is looking even closer for Friday,” said Anderson.

Huddersfield Giants. Danny Brough.

“So, all being well, we’ll see him back out there. He’s certainly been able to take a full part in training this week.

“But we’ve got to consider the bigger picture, and if he’s not quite right we’ll save him for the following week when he should definitely have no issues. There’s no point putting him back in a week too soon and risking further damage – even if that would mean going to Leeds without a recognised half-back.

“Knowing we’ll be without Jamie for eight to 10 weeks is obviously another big blow, particularly as Jamie was showing some good form. We’re gutted for him.

“It’s now a case of making sure he gets himself right for when he returns and continuing to improve on the form he’d been showing.”