Injury boost for Wildcats' Atkins

Atkins used to play for Wildcats' local rivals Bradford Bulls

Wakefield centre Ryan Atkins' shoulder injury could keep him out of action for six weeks rather than the six months originally feared.

The 23-year-old dislocated his shoulder playing in a pre-season game against St Helens 10 days ago and was told that he may need an operation.

"The first scan shocked and scared me - to be told I could be out for three to six months," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"Now I've got some good news. I could be back in anything from six weeks."

The England international is a key player for the Wildcats, scoring nine tries in 24 Super League games last season.

"I've dislocated my shoulder previously which means the scar tissue around it has thickened. So when I've done it this time it's gone back in pretty much straight away during the game.

"It means I'll be able to come back a lot sooner rather than later.

"All I've got to do now is a bit of rehab to strengthen the shoulder again - it should take a couple of weeks before I can start doing weights again."