JY Hitchcox is targeting a return to competitive action by the end of the regular season – the winger insisting the club have the strength in depth to cope with injuries in 2019.

The 29-year-old sustained the shoulder injury against York City Knights at the end of February and is four weeks into his rehabilitation following surgery.

Winger Hitchcox enjoyed an impressive start to the season before his efforts were curtailed by injury and has spoken of his promising progress.

“Rehab is going well, the surgeon said I am progressing well and I could be ahead of schedule which is promising,” said Hitchcox.

“He originally said four months, it could be a bit more, could be a bit less I am just working hard with the physio to get back as soon as I can.

“I am hoping to get back for the last few games before the play-offs, if I can get back quicker I will.

“I joined a new club wanting to have a really good year and do something great and although I am here next year we still can do that this year.

“In that top five it is anyone’s game and hopefully we can get in among them and I can get back and help that push at the end of a long season.

“We have a few injuries and we will get bodies back by then but we have some really great young talent here and they all want to do their best.”