Newcastle Eagles finished the weekend shorthanded with injury and sickness.

Following the loss of Malcolm Depeche to injury during a big play in Friday night’s win at Bristol, the Eagles were defeated in Manchester with a roster left even further depleted when Mike Okauru exited after only 16 minutes of play.

Delpeche is being assessed by a specialist knee consultant this week and underwent an MRI scan today. A further update on his prognosis from the medical team is expected in the next few days.

Okauru suffered a sprained ankle and is expected to make a full recovery, which the club’s medical team will be managing and monitoring across this week.

While not injured, Will Neighbour missed both tip-offs over the weekend due to sickness but returned to training today and is expected to feature in the line-up this weekend.

Coach Steutel, his support staff and club management will continue to work closely together to ensure the Eagles maintain the strength that fans have seen in the roster that held an unbeaten record throughout February.