Ward a doubt as Leeds Rhinos aim to bounce back

In-form Leeds Rhinos forward Stevie Ward is a major doubt for Thursday’s trip to Huddersfield Giants.
Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Wildcats Headingley easter mon 6th april 2015
Kallum Watkins makes ground  for LeedsLeeds Rhinos v Wakefield Wildcats Headingley easter mon 6th april 2015
Kallum Watkins makes ground  for Leeds
Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Wildcats Headingley easter mon 6th april 2015 Kallum Watkins makes ground for Leeds

Coach Brian McDermott said Ward is “50-50” to feature this week after being injured in last Friday’s home loss against Warrington Wolves.

“He is in a boot at the moment,” McDermott said.

“He is carrying an ankle injury. He rolled his ankle on 60 minutes and probably should have come off, but given the game he didn’t want to.

“We will make a check on him. He is 50-50 at this stage.

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Kallum Watkins, who has been filling in on the wing during Ryan Hall’s injury lay-off, suffered a bang to the head against Warrington and is also in danger of missing this week’s match.

“There’s a protocol he has to go through,” McDermott said. “He will go through that this week.

“We’ll get a better steer later in the week, but he’s up and about. He’s all right, there’s nothing sinister in there.”

Hall, who has missed three games due to a fractured wrist, will not be available on Thursday.

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McDermott said: “He has still got his pot on, he won’t get that off until late next week.

“I’m not sure he will be available for Widnes [on Sunday, May 10]. That is touch and go, but he definitely won’t play this week.”

Jamie Jones-Buchanan has recovered from a hamstring tear suffered against Catalans Dragons a month ago and is in contention for Thursday.

“He has got a good chance for this week,” McDermott said.