Leeds Rhinos captain Ash Handley has seemingly confirmed that he will miss this month’s Rugby League World Cup on account of the injury that ruled him out of the Super League play-off semi-final.
Scheduled to play full-back amid an injury to incumbent number one Lachie Miller, Handley was one of Leeds Rhinos men who suffered injury in the build-up to the play-off semi-final against Warrington Wolves.
Handley (back), Jack Bird (hamstring), Maika Sivo (shoulder) and Chris Hankinson (foot), who suffered his injury in the warm-up of that game, missed out against Wire as Leeds lost 14-12 and saw their Super League Grand Final hopes dashed.
It was reported by Serious About Rugby League’s sister site The Yorkshire Evening Post that Handley was expected to head in for surgery and thus miss the World Cup, and Handley has seemingly suggested that himself.
Taking to Instagram, the Super League Dream Team centre has announced that his ‘season has come to an end’, implying that he won’t be included in Brian McDermott’s World Cup squad, which is set to be announced the Monday after the Grand Final.
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Leeds Rhinos star Ash Handley set for recovery time after ‘cruel’ end to 2026
Handley would have been a strong favourite not only to be named to the 23-man squad but also to start in the side given how impressive his 2026 campaign has been.
“You just can’t write it,” he posted on Instagram.
“Absolutely gutted my season has come to an end in this way. Sport can be cruel sometimes.
“An incredible year for us as a club which deserved more, especially for the boys who are leaving us.
“Time now to recover and spend time with my little family.
“Thank you to our rhinos fans, we will be back in 2027. MOT.”
Handley missing out on selection due to injury likely opens the door for the likes of Jake Wardle, Umyla Hanley, the NRL’s Billy Smith and Hugo Savala, or even Handley’s Leeds Rhinos teammate Harry Newman, to take the centre berth opposite Herbie Farnworth – widely considered the best in the world at the position.
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