The RFL

Huddersfield Giants will be without prop forward Eorl Crabtree for up to six weeks with a torn hamstring.

The 26-year-old prop suffered the injury during his side’s 30-8 opening engage Super League victory at Catalans Dragons on Saturday.

“I feel sorry for Eorl because he trained so well in pre-season and was probably our best player in the two friendlies,” said coach Nathan Brown.

Crabtree’s absence could mean a Huddersfield debut for Michael Korkidas against St Helens at the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday, although Brown also has Jamahl Lolesi and David Faiumu available to plug the gap.

Second rower Lolesi failed to make the side in Perpignan after returning late for pre-season training while hooker Faiumu returned home to New Zealand following a family bereavement.

“We’ve got some tough decisions to make,” said Brown. “It’s never easy when you have a reasonably fit squad.”

Prop forwards James Graham (hamstring) and Jason Cayless (shoulder) are Saints’ only injury worries.

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