Leeds Rhinos news: big name already ruled out of York Knights clash but 5 'close' to return from injury
A big name has already been ruled out of Leeds Rhinos’ home game against York Knights next Friday, but several stars could return.
Rhinos were without nine team players because of injury, including five from the first 13 squad numbers, when they lost 26-14 at Leigh Leopards in Betfred Super League round one yesterday (Friday)
Coach Brad Arthur revealed captain/centre Ash Handley (groin) will also miss next Friday’s visit of York Knights, but off-season front-row signing Jeremiah Mata’utia will be available, scrum-half Jake Connor, loose-forward Cameron Smith and prop Keenan Palasia could also be in contention and winger Maika Sivo has a chance of making his comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered 13 months ago.
England prop Mikaolaj Oledzki (ribs) is showing signs of improvement but remains a major doubt for next week. Outside-back Alfie Edgell (thigh) and centre Max Simpson (acl) are on the long-term casualty list.
“Maika is getting close to his return,” Arthur confirmed after the game at Leigh. “Jake Connor, all the signs are he will go very close for next week. Jerry’s right, he was close this week.
“Cameron Smith is close as well for next week and Keenan is closer. He might be a chance for next week or the following week. Ash won’t be right next week, he’s another week or so and Mikolaj is a week at a time at the moment. He is moving all right today so hopefully he might only be a couple of weeks.”
Rhinos face a 12-hour flight to Las Vegas three days after the game against York. Arthur conceded he’d like players currently on the injured list to have at least one game under their belt if they are going to be considered for the match against Hull KR in the United States.
He said: “We can’ take too many away who haven’t proved their fitness so it is going to be a big week for us and a big game on Friday. The good thing is, all the guys are itching to get themselves ready to play. Not just to be ready for Vegas, but because they want to get out there and help their teammates.”
Arthur paid tribute to second-rower James McDonnell who made an earlier than expected return from an ankle injury against Leigh. He said: “He wasn’t 100 per cent, if we had a few more troops I would have ruled him out myself, but he got out there, pushed himself and got himself right to play at probably 70 per cent.”