The Leeds Rhinos are a club in crisis currently as they seek to salvage something from a challenging first half of the Super League season. The Rhinos’ season hit a new low point at the weekend, as they slumped to an 18-10 defeat against Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.
Leeds were second best in every department, leading Sky Sports pundit, Jon Wilkin, to brand the Leeds pack as “soft”, going as far as to say he would love to play against them. Following the announcement of their 21-man squad for this Friday’s Super League clash with the Leigh Leopards, Leeds have have announced that they suffered a quadruple injury blow during the game.
In response to this injury news, they have moved to bolster their ailing forward pack with a loan signing from one of their Super League rivals. The news will provide a lift to Rhinos fans who are concerned that their season may be coming off the rails.
Under-fire coach Rohan Smith will be holing the news can provide a boost for his side, as he faces increased pressure over his position.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 Leeds Rhinos players from the Super League era?
Leeds Rhinos announce signing from Super League Rivals
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The Rhinos have announced that forward, Sam Eseh, has joined the club on a four-week loan from the Wigan Warriors. A Club statement reads:
“The Rhinos have brought in young Wigan forward Sam Eseh Jnr on loan. The former East Leeds junior originally came through at Wakefield before loan spells at Barrow and Featherstone Rovers. He joined Wigan in 2023 and has spent time on loan at Castleford Tigers this season.”
The signing comes amidst an injury crisis at Leeds, who currently have six players ruled out with the effects of head injuries. With Andy Ackers and James Bentley already ruled out, the Rhinos confirmed that Sam Lisone, Tom Holroyd, Ash Handley and Harry Newman would all miss this Friday’s game having suffered the symptoms of concussion.
Commenting on their injuries, the club states:
“Following the usual match review process by the club’s medical department Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Tom Holroyd and Sam Lisone will all be stood down this week having displayed concussion symptoms during or following Saturday’s game.
“The Rhinos are also currently without Andy Ackers and James Bentley as they recover from concussion whilst Morgan Gannon has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season.
“The club have reiterated their commitment to the brain health of their players. Having reviewed footage from Saturday’s game and implementing the RFL guidelines, the club are adopting the correct protocol in standing these players down.”
