Kevin Locke (bottom left) suffers a shoulder injury while trying to prevent Castleford's Grant Millington from scoring a try

Kevin Locke's season looks to be over after he was taken to hospital with a shoulder injury suffered in Wakefield’s defeat to Castleford.

The New Zealand international, who joined Wakefield on a short-term deal after gaining a release from Salford, was led from the field clutching his shoulder after attempting to prevent prop Grant Millington from scoring the opening try.

It was only the third Wildcats appearances for Locke, who has endured a series of injuries since making his Super League debut just over 12 months ago and was hoping to kick-start his career with the Yorkshire club.

It is also a body blow for Wakefield as they prepare to fight for their Super League survival via the Middle 8s.

"It looks to be a serious arm and chest injury," said Wakefield coach Brian Smith. "He's gone to hospital and we're not too hopeful it will be anything but season-ending for him unfortunately.

"We were counting on Kevin being an important part as we developed but it was a horrendous injury, he was in a fair bit of pain."

A lot of people have got to be accountable for today - the players have to and so do I. Brian Smith

The injury to Locke compounded the misery for the Wildcats, who conceded 10 tries in a 58-20 rout by the Tigers, and Smith admitted his side had taken a step backwards after showing noticeable signs of improvement since he took charge six weeks ago.

"We had some good moments but not as many as the other games," he said. "We let ourselves down pretty badly early in the game and it got worse.

"A lot of people have got to be accountable for today - the players have to and so do I.

"I made a lot of changes trying to decide our best line-up and our preparation was a bit askew."

Devastating

Wakefield, who gave a debut to Anthony Mullally, were level at 12-12 until just before the interval when Castleford's makeshift centre Mike McMeeken went over for the first of five tries in a devastating 12-minute spell.

Winger Justin Carney led the second-half spree with four tries, all aided by returning scrum-half Luke Gale, and full-back Luke Dorn touched down twice.

"For the most part I thought we were very good," said Tigers coach Daryl Powell. "There were a couple of little periods where we got lost and it's slightly concerning that we lost control for periods of the game.

"But overall I've got to be pleased. In the first half the conditions were tough with the wind and Wakefield had a real dig. They are fighting pretty hard at the moment.

"When we had the ball in good field position we looked threatening and some of our finishing was sublime."

Castleford's Justin Carney touches down for his fourth try against Wakefield

Castleford lost in-form right winger Denny Solomona with a sprained ankle that could keep him out for at least a month but Powell was delighted to see Carney take his chances.

"It's great for him to get some tries," he said. "It's been a bit of a lean time for him while the bloke at the other end has been getting a shed-full.

"It's disappointing to lose Denny for what I imagine will be three or four weeks minimum but we'll see how he goes when he has a scan."

Australian Carney recently made himself available for England after qualifying soon on residential grounds and Powell believes he could come under consideration by national coach Steve McNamara following his previous decision to select New Zealand-born Rangi Chase.

"If he's available he's got to consider it," Powell said. "Steve has done it in the past. It depends on form and availability."

Castleford's win keeps them level with fourth-placed Huddersfield but with an inferior points difference going into the final round of fixtures before the split for the Super 8s.

"We're not going to be able to catch Huddersfield, which is disappointing, but we're still in a great spot," Powell said.