Newcastle Rugby League: Western Suburbs captain Ben Stone sidelined as Rosellas try to crack first win of 2022 season

Stone won't play against the Scorpions after suffering a broken eye socket in Wests' fourth straight loss last weekend and coach Todd Lowrie expects the lock to be out for multiple rounds.

"Ben Stone's got a broken eye socket and will be out for a few weeks," Lowrie said.

"At the moment it doesn't look like he needs surgery which is good."

Lowrie described Stone as "tough", having "played the rest of the game" despite sustaining the injury early in the second half against Central at Charlestown on April 16.

Stone's replacement will be finalised at training on Saturday morning. Lowrie is also without the services of winger Malu Fiu (illness) and centre Logan Radzievic (shoulder). Michael Hendry and Ben Glasheen likely fill the spots.

Outright last on the ladder, Wests have gone down to the Butcher Boys (28-8), Kurri Kurri (14-4), Maitland (24-6) and Cessnock (14-10) so far this campaign.

"We've been in games, but haven't done enough good things to get the win. No one likes what's happening, but we're working hard to be better," Lowrie said.

Elsewhere on Sunday and Lakes host Central at Cahill Oval while Kurri travel to The Entrance.

Saturday sees Souths up against Cessnock at Townson Oval and unbeaten competition leaders Maitland visit Wyong.

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