Ta’ai doubtful for Catalan game as he awaits new visa
HUDDERSFIELD have revealed that red tape is preventing Tongan international Ukuma Ta’ai starting the new Betfred Super League season.
The 32-year-old back rower was forced to sit out last Friday’s opening game against Salford as he awaits his new visa and coach Simon Woolford is not confident he will be cleared in time for Saturday’s round-two fixture against Catalans Dragons.
“The club are working through a very complex process regarding his clearance and he’s a slim shot for the Catalan game but he should be fine for round three against Warrington,” Woolford said.
Ta’ai has made 145 Super League appearances in his six seasons so far with the West Yorkshire club.
Huddersfield are also without head of performance Mark Andrews, who has returned to Sydney to attend family matters.
The absence of Ta’ai compounded the Giants’ early-season injury problems, with half a dozen regulars missing for the opening 34-14 defeat by the Red Devils.
Woolford expects second rower Aaron Murphy to return for the trip to Perpignan but stand-off Lee Gaskell, another late withdrawal on Friday, remains an injury doubt.
That is likely to mean another start for Izaak Farrell, 21, who impressed on his Super League debut against Salford.
With no fixture the following week due to the World Club Challenge, Woolford is hoping for the return of key players for the home game against Warrington on February 24, including England winger Jermaine McGillvary, who tore a hamstring in a pre-season friendly.
He’s a slim shot for the Catalan game but he should be fine for
round three