FORMER Wire forward James Laithwaite suffered a neck fracture playing for Toronto Wolfpack against Salford Red Devils in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup yesterday.

The 25-year-old Warringtonian second rower has now been re-admitted to hospital.

Laithwaite, a former student at Penketh High School and Priestley College, was carried from the AJ Bell Stadium field on a stretcher with his neck in a brace during the Canadian team's 29-22 fifth-round defeat.

Toronto coach Paul Rowley said Laithwaite was initially taken to hospital after complaining of feeling pins and needles in his arms and legs.

"He got released but a closer review discovered a fractured neck so he returned for hospital for further tests," Rowley said.

"Knowing James and his luck with injuries, he will be very worried about further damage."

Laithwaite, who made 50 first-team appearances in primrose and blue between 2013 and 2015, broke his ankle four years ago and missed the entire 2016 Super League season after breaking a leg playing for the Wolves in June 2015.

His former Wolves and Great Britain Academy teammate Gareth O'Brien was playing in opposition to Laithwaite on Sunday.

He said in a Tweet: