Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers are both without four players with a top-20 squad number and a total of 14 are ruled out from the two first team squads. Rhinos have picked up at least one injury per game this season, including two against Salford Red Devils last week, while most of Tigers’ woes are from last season and long-term. Here’s who is unavailable from both first team squads and when injured players could be back on the field.
7. Lachie Miller (Rhinos)
The full-back began pre-season carrying a hamstring injury and subsequently picked up a calf muscle issue. He could be back in contention in the next two or three weeks. Photo: Tony Johnson
8. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 10/12/2024 - Rugby League - Super League - Castleford Tigers Media Day - The Mend-a-Hose Jungle, Castleford, England - Rowan Milnes.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 10/12/2024 - Rugby League - Super League - Castleford Tigers Media Day - The Mend-a-Hose Jungle, Castleford, England - Rowan Milnes. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
9. Jason Qareqare (Tigers)
The winger picked up a hamstring injury at training in January and is a “fair way” from returning, according to coach Danny McGuire. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
10. Cain Robb (Tigers)
The hooker has had "a few niggles and setbacks" and is "not quite" ready to plahy, according to coach Danny McGuire. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
11. Louis Senior (Tigers)
Tigers hope the winger will be available midway through the season. He hasn't played since undergoing surgery on a quad muscle injury 10 months ago. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
12. Cameron Smith (Rhinos)
Leeds’ loose-forward and co-captain will have an operation on an ankle injury - sustained against Salford - next Tuesday. The recovery time is estimated at eight-10 weeks. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com