Atkins is a former Bradford player

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats look like being without Ryan Atkins for the start of Super League XIV.

The 23-year-old centre dislocated his shoulder in a friendly against St Helens on Sunday and will see a specialist on Friday.

"I'm remaining optimistic about it," Atkins told BBC Radio Leeds.

"Fingers crossed that it is not as bad as first feared. I could be out for a minimum of five weeks, but that will be 13 weeks if I need an operation."

Atkins added: "It was only on Monday when we realised it had actually dislocated during the game.

"I've been lucky with injuries in my career so far, so I have to stay positive.

"We have a good few players already out injured, so hopefully it's not going to be too bad.

"I can't even run at the moment due to the nerve damage, so I'll have to start pre-season training all over again once I'm back."

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