JORDAN JOHNSTONE SET FOR SPELL ON THE SIDELINES

Widnes Vikings can confirm that hooker Jordan Johnstone will be sidelined until at least April after scans revealed he has suffered a stress fracture in his back.

Johnstone, who penned a new two-year deal last season, has been absent for a large part of pre-season after picking up the injury.

Following the scans, Johnstone has been advised to rest. The club is hopeful he will be able to resume physical activities from the start of March, where he will then begin his rehabilitation.

Head Coach Allan Coleman said: “I’m gutted for Jordan after the season he had last year. Unfortunately, he’s had a very disrupted pre-season due to the injury, it’s been very stop-start for him.

“He’s received the results of the scans and has been told he needs to rest, so we just need to be here for him now and support him in his rehab to the fully fit Jordan we know.

“It can be difficult for players mentally when injured but one thing I’ll make sure of is that he’s part of my staff and will be with us on matchdays because he’s such a key figure in this team.”

Everyone at the club wishes JJ a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the field as soon as possible.