Leeds Rhinos winger David Fusitu’a could be back in Super League action soon after head coach Rohan Smith provided an update on his condition this week.
The New Zealand-born Tongan missed the entirety of the Rhinos’ pre-season and pulled out of their Round One game against Salford Red Devils.
Rohan Smith, at the time, said surgery would mean he was likely out for six to eight weeks.
In this week’s press conference, he was asked how close Fusitu’a was to returning.
He said: “Yeah, he won’t be playing this week.
“He’s going in the right direction now. He’s got some more work done but he won’t be quite ready, so we’ll be hoping come the week after the Challenge Cup that he’ll be flying into that week and ready to go.”
Leeds Rhinos’ selection issues
Credit: Imago Images
For their game this week, the Rhinos will be without Justin Sangare, after his one-match penalty notice, but after a successful appeal, Cameron Smith will be available for selection.
Cameron Smith had been given a Grade B Dangerous Contact charge, and was at the upper end of the grade, due to previous incidents, so originally had a one-match penalty notice.
However, this has been downgraded to Grade A, which carries only a fine.
They may also be without centre Harry Newman, after a nasty lip injury in the early stages of their Rivals Round game against Castleford Tigers.
Leeds Rhinos host Warrington Wolves on Friday 5th March at 8pm.
