Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com - 27/04/2024 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Round 9 - Salford Red Devils v Warrington Wolves - Salford Stadium, Eccles, England - Leon Hayes of Warrington receiving treatment for a serious injury
Contrary to what we’ve seen from him so far this year since his arrival at Wire in the off-season, Australian powerhouse Fitzgibbon, like the rest of his team-mates, struggled to ever really get going at Wembley.
He was withdrawn at half-time by the Wolves, and never managed to make it back on the field after that.
By that point, Burgess‘ side were already 12-2 down to Wigan Warriors at the break in the capital, with the damage comprehensively done.
Full-back Matt Dufty scored a consolation try late on after Wigan skipper Liam Farrell had wrapped things up, 6-6 the score in the second half, but 18-8 the final result under the arch.
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Detailing Fitzgibbon’s injury woes in his post-match press conference, Burgess said: “He’s carried a back (problem) all week, well for the last couple of weeks.
“He was just coming into this game a bit underdone and he just couldn’t get through the game.
“He’ll probably need a break.”
Warrington – who currently sit 4th in the Super League table – host Salford Red Devils next Friday night (June 14) as league action resumes.
Boss Burgess meanwhile believed another forward in Jody Crowther hadn’t picked up a serious injury issue despite also having been forced off during the Wembley defeat.
Starting on the interchange bench, Crowther picked up what appeared to be a lower limb problem early on in the second half, and had to be withdrawn.
Zane Musgrove replaced him, and the ex-Wakefield Trinity ace – like Fitzgibbon – never returned to the action.
When asked about Crowther post-match, Burgess said: “He’s got a leg injury. I don’t know about it yet.
“I don’t think it’s too bad, but he couldn’t get back on the field.”
