Lewis sets cup target

LEWIS PALFREY: hernia operation.

LEWIS Palfrey will have surgery on January 17 to repair a hernia, and hopes to be match-fit by the start of the new season in early April.

The Roughyeds’ stand-off and captain has been told he could be playing six weeks after leaving hospital – so hopes to return for the first-round League One Cup clash with Coventry Bears at Whitebank on March 1.

“The league will be our priority, but I hope to use the cup-ties in March to work my way back into the swing of things so I’m fully operational by the time we start the league programme at Easter,” he said.

“Apart from sprinting and kicking, I’ve been able to do most of the pre-season stuff so far. I’ve also done a lot of work and rehab with the medical staff so I’m hoping all that will help to speed my recovery after the operation.

Palfrey will miss three warm-up games. Said coach Scott Naylor: “Lewis is very professional and very focused and I know he will do all he can to make sure he is back on the field as soon as possible.”

In his capacity as captain, Palfrey is happy with the progress the squad is making in pre-season training with the first friendly less than a month away.

“We are doing things a little bit differently this year and everybody is working hard and looking forward to the season,” he added.