Leeds Rhinos’ captain Luke Gale’s message of support to Castleford Tigers’ injured winger Sosaia Feki

The luckless winger could miss the entire campaign after rupturing an Achilles tendon in training.

After joining from Cronulla Sharks at the end of 2019, the gutted Tonga international only played once last season after two earlier injury blows.

However, Gale – whose Leeds side face Tigers in round two on Good Friday – can understand how Feki is suffering; he also ruptured an Achilles tendon while in pre-season training himself at Castleford two years ago.

“I was speaking to (Castleford physio) Matty Crowther yesterday and I said to send him my regards,” said Gale, who had to sit out all of 2019.

“Obviously, I’ve done it and Matty rehabbed me back to fitness. I asked him to pass on that it is a tough injury and tough coming back from but he’s in good hands there with Matty.

“He has had rotten luck since he’s been at Cas. But the Cas boys had been telling me how good he was looking.

“Macca (Paul McShane) was saying it’s such a shame as he’d looked an absolute beast in pre-season and was flying.

“It’s massively unfortunate and I do really feel for him; he’s come to Cas, was a great player over there (in the NRL) and was ready to go.

“There’ll be no-one more gutted than him but I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Gale, 32, also has experience of knowing how to bounce back from consecutive major injuries given he also missed most of 2018 with a fractured kneecap before suffering his Achilles issue.

“When you go back to back you almost think ‘what have I done wrong?’” he added.

“And I think he’ll be thinking the same. But he just has to stay positive and take the little small wins at a time.

“First of all get the op’ done and then he’ll be back before he knows it.”

Meanwhile, the England international, who lifted the Challenge Cup for Rhinos last season after recovering from that torn Achilles and switching from Castleford, is making good progress on his own comeback.

He tore a pectoral muscle lifting weights last month and underwent surgery but has stepped up his rehab’ and hopes to be fit for the season opener against Wakefield Trinity on March 27.

Super League are not due to announce the full list of fixtures until next Friday but they did today reveal the round two games. Leeds face Castleford at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium on April 2 (3pm) while Wakefield tackle Wigan Warriors the previous night on Easter Thursday (6pm).

On Leeds’ opening rounds, Gale said: “Wakefield first and then Cas’ in the first two games...

“Everyone loves a derby. It’s perfect. And I think the players love a derby, too, so it’s all ready to go.”

Super League has announced the full round of games across the Easter weekend – all played behind closed doors at St Helens’ ground – will be dedicated to showing its support for Hull KR’s Mose Masoe.

The prop, 31, suffered a career-ending and life-changing spinal injury in a friendly at Wakefield in January last year.

The six games, all live on Sky Sports, will see two of Masoe’s former clubs meet, with Rovers playing Saints on Thursday April 1 (8.15pm). “Mose Masoe’s remarkable spirit and determination provides inspiration for all us,” said Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone.

“As he moves into the next phase of his life and continues his rehabilitation, it is fitting that Super League clubs, players and fans thank Mose for everything he has given to the game, and help support him and his family in the future.”

Full details of how fans can support the New Zealander – who faces a long rehabilitation – will be announced ahead of the start of the season.

Before Leeds and Castleford do battle, Good Friday also sees Warrington Wolves take on Leigh Centurions (12.45pm).

The round concludes on Easter Saturday with Salford Red Devils v Hull FC (12.45pm) and Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons (3pm).

The traditional Easter ‘derby’ fixtures have been held back until later in the year when fans will hopefully be able to attend.

Betfred Super League Round fixtures (live on Sky Sports from the Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens); Thursday April 1: Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity 6pm, Hull KR v St Helens 8.15pm.

Friday April 2: Warrington Wolves v Leigh Centurions 12.45pm, Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers 3pm

Saturday April 3: Salford Red Devils v Hull FC 12.45pm, Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons 3pm.

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