Leeds Rhinos have suffered another blow ahead of Round Two as they take on Hull KR.
The Rhinos have lost prop Mikolaj Oledzki to injury which has left Rohan Smith with a conundrum to solve.
Smith explained: “I’ve got a plan A for this week and we’ll wait to announce that on Thursday evening. But I don’t think anyone is expecting to play their two starting front rowers, 27 rounds of the season together. We’re faced with it a little earlier than planned but that’s the nature of it. We’ll be full of confidence with the players that go out there.
“It’s a bit of a mentality I think for some middle players to make you more comfortable get going, you know I showed after the warm-up or some feel better Get going after watching the game unfold a little bit. But I think once they’re out there, it doesn’t really make much difference. It’s just that mindset or mentality getting started.”
Meanwhile, the Rhinos have an option in the shape of Leon Ruan: “Middle or edge. I see him as a forward that can contribute off the bench there for us now and in the future. I’ve spoken to Leon about it. He’s spent most of his time as an edge-back role, but you give yourself a lot more opportunities to get yourself in the team if you play in the middle as well. That’s something we’ve been working through during the pre-season.”
Leeds Rhinos star out for three months
Betfred Super League Eliminator – Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos – Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan, France – Morgan Gannon of Leeds Rhinos walks off after being injured Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos SWP-1842-0036
This came as Rohan Smith confirmed that Morgan Gannon is now set to be out for three months:
“Morgan Gannon has been to the consultant last week and he’s got a three-month layoff before returning to go through the return to pay process at that point, which is pretty much as we expected given the back-to-back head knocks. No issues, he’s training great, just no contact at this point. Until further notice there, he’s running and he’s lifting weights and he’s feeling good.”
Smith added how it is going to be difficult for the young man: “Yeah, it is, and particularly that he’s not suffering any symptoms. It’s maybe a little more frustrating as well for him but we’re totally in support of the process to take care of his health. As you said, he’s a 20-year-old man but he’s got everything ahead of him, that kid, as a player and a person. So we’ll continue to support him. In the scheme of life, three months is not that long but as it’s happening now, it can be a bit of a struggle. So, you know, our whole club will support him and take care of him from every different perspective.”
