Leeds Rhinos’ ‘iron man’ James Donaldson steeled for return from one-month broken-back lay-off

A MONTH and a day after suffering a fracture in his back, “iron man” Leeds Rhinos forward James Donaldson could be back on the field on Thursday.
'Iron man' James Donaldson steeled for Leeds Rhinos return. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.'Iron man' James Donaldson steeled for Leeds Rhinos return. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
'Iron man' James Donaldson steeled for Leeds Rhinos return. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Donaldson has been named in Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad for the Betfred Super League derby against Wakefield Trinity at Emerald Headingley.

Rhinos coach Richard Agar confirmed Donaldson is pain free and looking good in training, but a specialist’s report will determine if he makes his playing return.

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The 28-year-old former Bradford Bulls and Hull KR back-rower, who battled back from three anterior cruciate ligament injuries earlier in his career, has missed three games since being hurt in the win over Huddersfield on August 2 - Rhinos’ first match after the coronavirus lockdown.

Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe/JPIMedia.Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe/JPIMedia.
Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe/JPIMedia.

“He is an iron man,” Agar said. “He has come back in great shape from Covid and put himself in contention after a broken back.

“That sounds quite reckless on our part, but [the injury] probably sounds worse than it was.

“He is getting a scan and we need to know it is fully healed. If there is any suggestion that he is still in the healing process we won’t consider him.

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“We feel we don’t need to because we’ve got Jarrod O’Connor in there who has a chance of making his debut and Alex Mellor coming back too.

Leeds Rhinos forward, Alex Mellor. Picture: James Hardisty/JPIMedia.Leeds Rhinos forward, Alex Mellor. Picture: James Hardisty/JPIMedia.
Leeds Rhinos forward, Alex Mellor. Picture: James Hardisty/JPIMedia.

“We have got plenty of alternatives in terms of that position, but Donno has done everything right.

“He has recovered, he is training great and he’s not feeling a thing. We just need to tick a little medical box to see if we can actually consider him for a spot in the 17.”

Donaldson, Mellor - sidelined for two games with a knee injury - and 19-year-old O’Connor are vying to replace Adam Cuthbertson (back).

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There is no place for former England forward Brett Ferres who this week rejoined Leeds on loan from Featherstone Rovers.

Agar said the 34-year-old will only play “if needed”. He insisted: “We have not brought Brett in to block the path of any young kids. Far from it, we feel he can help some of those young kids around the training field and and give us some vital insurance in what is a season like no other.”

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