Blake Austin suffers horror head injury in Leeds Rhinos’ defeat to Castleford Tigers

Rugby league is an incredibly tough sport – everyone knows that.

But, sometimes an injury can come along that makes you wince and actually realise just how tough and physical the sport really is.

That statement can be true when looking at the injury sustained to Leeds Rhinos halfback Blake Austin during the club’s narrow 16-14 loss to Castleford Tigers.

The Australian halfback went off early in the first-half and failed to return after falling foul of the Head Injury Assessment, but it was perhaps best that he didn’t when taking a closer look.

The injury involved Austin splitting his head open with numerous stitches needed by the club doctor.

For Leeds, that injury meant that interim coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan had to tinker with his side, with Kruise Leeming switching from hooker to halfback and Brad Dwyer coming off the bench to play at number nine for the rest of the game.

That move actually seemed to inspire the Rhinos, with Leeming looking dangerous in the halves alongside teenage debutant Jack Sinfield.

The 17-year-old was called up alongside fellow teenager Max Simpson as both impressed in their maiden Super League appearance.

An appointment as Leeds coach is expected to be named this week.