JAMIE SIMPSON is set to make an early return to action after being named in the Giants squad of 19 for tomorrow night’s Super League clash with Salford City Reds at the Willows (8.00).
The 24-year-old former South Sydney utility back has not played since suffering a right shoulder injury in the 13-12 defeat at Catalan Dragons on April 30 and had targeted the play-off series as his best chance for a possible return.
After an intensive rehabilitation programme failed to solve the problem, the Australian was forced to undergo surgery but that proved a success, and head coach Nathan Brown has named him in his squad.
However, the bonus of Simpson’s return is balanced by the loss of half backs Danny Brough and Luke Robinson and forward Luke O’Donnell through injury.
Brough, who suffered a strained muscle in his side, and O’Donnell, who will miss the rest of the season with knee ligament damage, were both taken from the field during the 19-6 defeat at St Helens last week, but hooker Robinson battled on to complete the game after twice taking bangs to the head.
With Robinson being left out, Elliot Hodgson and Jamie Cording are added to the squad along with Simpson.
Salford City Reds: Patten, Broughton, Gibson, Jewitt, Henry, Williams, Holdsworth, Cashmere, Godwin, Boyle, Neal, Ratchford, Anderson, Smith, Gleeson, L Adamson, Sidlow, Paleaaesina, Wild.
Giants: Grix, Lawrence, Cudjoe, Gilmour, D Hodgson, Brown, Crabtree, Griffin, Fa’alogo, Faiumu, Raleigh, Kirmond, Patrick, Horne, McGillvary, E Hodgson, Cording, Fairbank, Simpson.
Referee: James Child
