Four Leeds Rhinos players stood down for Wakefield Trinity clash - after Castleford Tigers rocked by Covid-19 outbreak

Four Rhinos players have been stood down through track and trace analysis after Castleford Tigers reported 12 positive Covid-19 tests following Monday’s defeat to Leeds at Emerald Headingley.

Agar confirmed the quartet will miss both this week’s fixtures against Wakefield Trinity - at St Helens today and Mobile Rocket Stadium, Belle Vue on Sunday - and the rematch with Tigers a week tomorrow, if that goes ahead

They could also be ruled out of Rhinos’ final game of the regular season, against Wigan Warriors on November 8/9, despite not having tested positive themselves.

But Agar insisted there is no question of Rhinos calling games off and they will do everything possible to fulfil all their commitments.

“We are not looking to duck out of fixtures, whatever the situation is,” the Leeds boss stressed.

“We will get a team out on the park, even if it means going under-strength in massively important games.

“We will try and keep the game going as much as we possibly can.”

Rhinos are battling to qualify for the play-offs and Agar admitted Tigers’ coronavirus outbreak was “massive ramifications” for his team.

“It is hugely disappointing and I feel for the individuals concerned and for my squad,” he said of the players ruled out.

“We feel as a club and a squad we have done everything possible.

“We’ve been ultra-diligent and it’s a very tough one for the guys who can’t play in what is such an important period in our season.

“They have worked really hard all year as a group and as individuals.

“It is devastating, but it has happened to other teams this year.

“The timing is unfortunate, given the amount of games coming up and the importance of them, but we are a strong, resilient bunch and we’ll get a really competitive outfit out there.”

Agar said he has “no idea” if the Tigers rematch will take place, but stressed: “We have got enough players to field a strong, competitive team and - given the situation - we will be out playing whilever we can.”

The Rhinos coach had already suggested shortening the regular season and expanding the play-offs from four to six teams.

That option is likely to gain more backing after Tigers’ game at Huddersfield Giants tomorrow was cancelled and Salford Red Devils forfeited their fixture against Warrington Wolves.

Agar believes the competition’s bosses need to find “the fairest way” of ending the campaign.

“We have had to field under-strength teams in important games, but it is getting to the point where we need some strong leadership and we’ve got to work out what’s best for the competition from here on in,” he said.

“We have got to act in what is in the fairness of the game and do what will give us the best finish to the season.

“Whichever way they do it there’s going to be people who think it’s unfair and who are going to complain and feel they’ve been hard done by.

“We will accept whatever they throw at us and give it our best shot and hopefully the game gets a fair outcome and an attractive play-offs series.”

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