Leeds Rhinos: Freak injury puts Brett Delaney on sidelines for six weeks

Delaney was hurt late in Rhinos’ 40-0 win over Warrington Wolves a week ago and club chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “He has medial ligament damage to both knees.

“It was a freak incident. It is a typical knee ligament injury, but for both knees to go at the same time is quite unprecedented. It doesn’t require surgery, but that sort of injury is usually about a six-week absence.”

Delaney missed the final six games of last season due to a dislocated kneecap. Hetherington added: “He is really frustrated because he has had an injury-ravaged season and he was keen to start stringing some games together.”

Meanwhile, Hetherington has insisted the Rugby Football League are not to blame for the current fixture congestion.

Most Betfred Super League sides played last Friday, on Monday and are in action again this weekend. The pile-up was introduced to make space in the calendar for a pre-season England training camp, which was eventually cancelled.

Rhinos and Leigh Centurions, who meet at Headingley tonight, will be playing their third game in eight days and Hetherington said: “Everybody’s giving the RFL grief, but the decision was taken by the clubs.

“I don’t think anyone wanted to create this situation, with two games over the weekend, but if we were going to support the England team, as we were asked to do, that required taking a week out at the start of the season – and you’ve got to fit that in somewhere.

“We can’t extend the season so, going through all the options, what you’re left with is having to double up.”