Knee blow for Galea

Galea suffered damage to his ligaments during Sunday's friendly against Hull FC.

Coach Craig Sandercock had hoped the Australian back rower, who has taken the captaincy reins from Michael Vella, would miss only the Super League opener at Leeds on February 3.

But scans have shown the injury is worse than first feared, ruling him out of action for between eight and 12 weeks.

It is a second major setback for Rovers ahead of the new season, following the long-term loss of stand-off Blake Green with a blood clot in his calf.

Blow

The Robins also start the new campaign without young front rower Richard Beaumont after he sustained a fractured fibula in the derby.

"Losing Benny and Rich is a blow," said Sandercock. "Benny is looking at being out for between eight and 12 weeks which is disappointing for both himself and the team.

"But the one thing we know about Benny is that he's the consummate professional and he'll be doing everything he can, in tandem with the medical department, to get himself back on the paddock as soon as he can.

"As regards Rich, he has a fractured leg and the medical team are looking into the treatment options."

Scrum-half Michael Dobson will lead the side in the absence of Galea, who was an ever-present last season.