Rhys Lovegrove signed for Hull KR from St George Illawarra in 2008

Hull Kingston Rovers prop Rhys Lovegrove will be out of action until early March after suffering a medial knee ligament injury.

Lovegrove, 23, who suffered the injury in training, is not expected to require surgery but will miss the start of the new Super League campaign.

"At first we feared that it could have been the season," coach Justin Morgan told BBC Radio Humberside.

"But it's great news after the scan and we're looking at about eight weeks."

Lovegrove, who signed a new two-year contract with the Robins last May, is currently walking with the aid of crutches and Morgan says they will not take any risks with him.

"First three or four weeks he won't be doing any running," said Morgan.

Rhys is a relatively young man and should recover well Hull KR coach Justin Morgan

"After that we'll build him up and he'll miss the first few weeks of the season."

Morgan also points to the Australian forward's past injury history as a positive sign of him being able to make a swift return.

"He had that shoulder operation a couple of years ago and was back three or four weeks early," said the Rovers coach.

"We're very pleased that it's not as serious as it could have been and with Rhys's fitness, and still being a relatively young man, he should recover well."

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