Alex Rowe attacked : Fri Mar 05, 2010 10:56 am
By James collinsRugby League
SHEFFIELD Eagles forward Alex Rowe will miss at least two games after being mugged in a city street.
The 15 stone and 6ft-plus prop was set upon and robbed by two or three men as he waited for a taxi near Leeds city centre.
Rowe, 24, was left semi-conscious and kept in hospital after the attack with head injuries and fears of internal bleeding.
"He was jumped from behind and mugged - imagine jumping a guy that size," said Eagles coach Mark Aston.
"Two or three people got him and he spent two or three days in hospital. We've told him to go away and relax for a couple of weeks then start training again."
The forward is used as an 'impact' player by the Eagles - coming off the bench to use his power to crash defensive lines.
Rowe had his wallet, mobile phone and car keys stolen in the attack last Friday.
He was out in Leeds because he was not available for last weekend's game at Halifax because of one match ban after being sent off in a game earlier last month.
Aston added: "It was late because he'sd been training with us and was out seeing a band with some friends. He was looking for a taxi when he was attacked.
"Alex was still a bit groggy when I talked to him. He's gone to visit relatives and we've told him to take things easy and recover."
Meanwhile Aston has better news on club captain Jack Howieson as he prepares for the third round Challenge Cup game against amateurs Thatto Heath Crusaders at Don Valley Stadium on Sunday.
Howieson damaged his left arm in the defeat at Halifax but the injury may not be as serious as first thought.
Aston said: "It's not as bad as first feared, he has torn the bicep a bit but is recovering quite well and could be in contention for Sunday's game. But if he's not 100 per cent right then we won't play him."
