Leeds Rhinos: Injury-hit Leeds could be forced into loan market

Handley suffered damage to a kneecap in last Friday’s 20-16 victory over Huddersfield Giants.

It was his third game in Leeds’ first team since replacing Tom Briscoe, who has an ankle injury.

Centre Joel Moon (hamstring) was also hurt against Huddersfield.

And Ashton Golding, who has played on the wing, is out of selection contention with an ankle problem.

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “We will know more [today] about the extent of Ash Handley’s injury. If he is ruled out then a loan will be a possibility – a short-term loan.

“We would not be looking at anything long-term.”

Hetherington admitted: “It will depend if anyone is available.

“It is a difficult time with Easter coming up and a loan would have to be for a minimum of a month.

“But having two specialist wingers both injured at the same time is a challenge for us.”

Of Handley, Hetherington said: “It is not a twist or a tear, he just took a bang so, hopefully in a few days, it will settle down and it might not keep him out too long.”

Jimmy Keinhorst, who would be an option for a wing spot, is likely to have to cover for Moon in the centres.