Bradford Bulls forward Will Gardiner is recovering after sustaining a head injury during Saturday’s match against St Helens, according to Bulls head coach Kurt Haggerty. The incident occurred in the game that ended with a 40-10 victory for St Helens.

Haggerty described the collision between Gardiner and St Helens’ Daniel Suluka-Fifita as "pretty frightening." He confirmed that Gardiner experienced bleeding from the ear as a result of the clash. Despite the severity of the injury, Gardiner was reportedly alert and in good spirits after the match. Haggerty visited him post-game and noted that Gardiner was discharged from the hospital and had returned home.

The match also saw a potential disciplinary issue when St Helens player Jackson Hastings placed his hand on Gardiner’s shoulder while the latter was on the ground. This action raised questions as it could constitute an offense under rugby league rules, which prohibit contact with an injured player on the field. However, after a review, the Match Review Panel decided not to impose any sanction on Hastings.

The Bulls will continue to monitor Gardiner’s condition as he recovers from the injury sustained during the match.