Gibson made a try-scoring return to engage Super League action in the 54-12 win over Castleford Tigers four days ago.

That was the 22-year-old's first senior appearance since tearing a hamstring against the same opposition in March – on his return from a nine-month lay-off following a knee reconstruction.

Gibson's return is a timely boost for Rhinos, who have lost first-choice centre Clinton Toopi to a serious knee injury which could keep him out until next summer.

Said Gibson: "I have had a bit of bad luck, but hopefully that's behind me now and I can kick-on from here.

"It has been very frustrating for me, but I've got through it.
"I sort of got used to it last year with my knee injury, but it's definitely good to be back and it was nice to get a try on my comeback.

"I was really nervous before the game, so to get that first try was good for me.

"The knee was fine and the hamstring was fine, I just got a bit of a bang on my elbow, but I got through it.

"I started on the wing, then went into the centre for a bit. I played the full 80 and I felt all right."

Gibson was becoming established as one of Super League's brightest prospects when the injury curse first struck, in May last year.

He described his 16 months on the sidelines as "awful", but said support from team-mates and Rhinos staff pulled him through.

Gibson said: "It has been pretty tough, but I've had people there with me.

"Last year I was training with Nick Scruton and this year I've been training with Kirkey (Ian Kirke) so that has helped me along.

"The knee's fine now, it's just been my hamstring that's been the problem.

"I think it has come from the knee because the injury's on the other side and there's been research to say you can get injured through compensating through your other leg.

"But the physio staff have done a good job with me and the physio Jason Davidson has put me through my paces.

"He's done really well for me."

Of his prospects for the rest of the season, Gibson said: "Anything can happen now.

"It is up to me to get my fitness back and kick on from here."
Meanwhile, Jordan Tansey (knee) and Ian Kirke (foot) were both unable to train yesterday, due to injuries suffered against Castleford.

Rhinos' hopes of having forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan available for this week's trip to Wigan Warriors are fading.

Jones-Buchanan has been sidelined for a month with a hamstring problem and coach Brian McClennan said: "He is going to struggle for Friday."

Long-term ankle injury victim Ryan Bailey trained yesterday, but "didn't look 100 per cent", according to McClennan.

Rhinos' Academy side take on Huddersfield Giants at Morley Rugby Union Club tonight (7pm).