Leeds Rhinos: Injured McGuire is remaining upbeat

STRICKEN LEEDS Rhinos captain Danny McGuire is staying positive about his injury setback.

McGuire will be sidelined for up to two months after suffering a knee injury in last Thursday’s First Utility Super League round one clash with Warrington Wolves.

That was McGuire’s first game since taking over from Kevin Sinfield as Rhinos’ captain and he said: “Obviously it is really disappointing.

“The biggest disappointment was going from such a buzz on Thursday, as captain leading the team out,

“I was really excited for the game and to only get 30 minutes in and get injured was a bit frustrating.

“But I have been here before quite a few times, I know how to handle situations like this.

“The more upset and worked-up you get, the longer it takes to come back.

“The more positive and upbeat you are, the quicker you get back.

“That’s the positive way I am looking at it.”

McGuire is aiming to return as quickly as possible, but said he is determined to be fully fit when he does resume playing.

“I was in [yesterday] and I will be working hard to get back as quick as I can,” he said.

“Six to eight weeks is probably the average for this type of injury.

“It is a grade two tear and I’ll be in a brace for three weeks, then I’ll be working to build it up and get back out there.

“We have got great physios and medical people here and they do everything to get you back as quickly as possible, but not if you aren’t ready.

“I will make sure I come back ready to go. I have to get it right, I won’t come back too early.

“There’s plenty of the season left, so there’s no point doing that.”

McGuire described the tackle which led to his injury as “just one of those things”. He recalled: “I just landed awkwardly, with a bit of a twist.

“It probably happens 20 or 30 times in a game, but this was just one of those times it goes wrong.

“It is part of the game, it is the tough part, but you have to remain positive and get back as quick as you can.”

McGuire insisted Rhinos, who visit Widnes Vikings on Sunday, can cope during his lay-off.

His half-back partner Liam Sutcliffe has played just one competitive game since sustaining a serious knee injury last June.

In addition, back-up half-back Jordan Lilley has only five senior appearances to his name.

McGuire said: “The biggest frustration is I feel I have got quite a lot of responsibility in the team and I was enjoying the role and being one of the leaders.

“But I am sure the lads will step up to the plate and take over the leadership role.

“There’s plenty of people in the team capable of doing that.

“It is an opportunity for somebody else to come in and show what they are capable of.

“Jordan Lilley is potentially going to get a shot in the halves and I am sure he will prove what he can do.

“That’s a positive to come from it, though not for me personally.”