Free weekend can boost Leeds Rhinos says England Knights star Kruise Leeming

They'd rather still be in the Betfred Challenge Cup, but Kruise Leeming reckons Leeds Rhinos have to make the most of their unwanted time off.
By Peter Smith
Published 5th May 2021, 06:00 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Rhinos are without a game this weekend, when Emerald Headingley stages all four Cup quarter-finals.

That means captain and first-choice number seven Luke Gale is expected to be available for Leeds’ next match, at home to Wakefield Trinity in nine days’ time, after missing four games with a fractured thumb.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Other players will also have time to recover from recent wear and tear and Leeming - who filled in as an emergency half-back against Huddersfield last weekend - believes the break could be a blessing in disguise.

Rhinos' Brad Dwyer and Luke Briscoe were floored by the last-gasp loss at Huddersfield. Picture by Simon Hulme.Rhinos' Brad Dwyer and Luke Briscoe were floored by the last-gasp loss at Huddersfield. Picture by Simon Hulme.
Rhinos' Brad Dwyer and Luke Briscoe were floored by the last-gasp loss at Huddersfield. Picture by Simon Hulme.

“I think it has come at the right time,” the England Knights hooker stated.

“We can get over a few knocks and get our team something near - people playing in their right positions - and just rejuvenate.”

Leeds’ only win this year was against Trinity in the sides’ first game of the campaign. Wakefield have yet to pick up a victory and Leeming insisted: “Hopefully we’ll get a lot of energy going into next week

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Wakefield is a big game and we’ll be looking to get our season back on track and come away with the two points, but it won’t be easy - no game is easy.”

Kruise Leeming on the attack for Rhinos against Castleford. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Kruise Leeming on the attack for Rhinos against Castleford. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Kruise Leeming on the attack for Rhinos against Castleford. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Suspended duo Richie Myler and Zane Tetevano will be available for the following fixture, at home to Hull and Harry Newman and Rob Lui are expected back from injury within the next four weeks.

Leeming is confident once senior players begin to return, Rhinos, who have lost their last five games, can turn their season around.

“Who knows, the start might hurt us coming toward the back end,” he conceded.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But I still think we have got a 13/14-game winning streak in us, we just need to get everything working. We are not too far off, it’s just very frustrating coming off the back of five losses in a row.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

Related topics:Kruise LeemingRichie MylerWakefieldEngland