An injury crisis has crippled Essex Eels as they prepare to host leaders Ipswich Rhinos tomorrow.

Eels are still hopeful of making the Harry Jepson Trophy play-offs and will have the three Ms -- scrum-half Jimmy Meadows and centres Rob Martin and Mario De Magalhaes -- spearheading their challenge.

But a host of other players are out of the frame for tomorrow's crunch game, leaving only 12 fully fit.

Captain Mike Muir said: "It's touch and go for us.

"John Hickey has a damaged right shoulder, Dylan Wattan has a broken foot, Blair Tonkin's ribs are still not 100 per cent, Jimmy Meadows has a dead leg and props Wes Plumb and Jim Harman missed training with rib and leg injuries respectively.

"These are just the short-term injuries -- we have seven players out for a long period.

"However, I'm confident that Jimmy will make the game. He's a real tough nut and hates missing games."

Coach Stuart Hogg is delighted that at least his three Ms will be in action against Ipswich.

He said: "Mario and Rob are so quick and strong that they are a danger to any team.

"Ipswich play a lot of their game through their strong running centres and so they will be crucial to us especially in defence."

Published Friday, June 27, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo