Leeds Rhinos: Loan deal is unlikely now, says chief Hetherington

Rhinos were considering bringing a winger in on a short-term deal following injuries to Tom Briscoe and Ash Handley.

But Briscoe is now close to returning from an ankle problem and Handley defied a bang on a knee to feature against Wigan Warriors last week.

With Danny McGuire and Carl Ablett also on the road to recovery, Hetherington is hopeful Rhinos are through the worst of their early-season injury crisis.

Handley hobbled out of Rhinos’ win over Huddersfield Giants two weeks ago and left the ground on crutches, but recovered in time to feature in the defeat at Wigan seven days later.

Hetherington said: “If he hadn’t been available we literally didn’t have another winger.

“He made a pretty speedy recovery. It was touch and go right up until the day of the [last week’s] game, but he made it and that took away the desperation.

“We have not signed anybody on loan and we are not really looking at that. The urgency has been taken away and we are hoping to have a few more back soon.”

Joel Moon and Brett Delaney both missed the trip to Wigan, but Hetherington said: “They are both hamstring strains.

“They are not long-term, but probably enough to keep them out for a few weeks.

“But Danny McGuire, Carl Ablett and Tom Briscoe are all fairly close now.”

Handley has been cautioned for a dangerous throw on Wigan’s Josh Charnley, but will be available to face St Helens in three days’ time.