Leeds Rhinos have confirmed a major injury blow with the club providing updates on three of their key players.
The update comes following the 32-6 win over Salford Red Devils with the Rhinos bouncing back from a surprise Round One defeat to Wakefield Trinity, however, Leeds have not come through their victory unscathed.
Brodie Croft was stretchered from the field after a head knock, Matt Frawley suffered a wound on his hand that required stitches and co-captain Cam Smith suffered an ankle injury.
It’s now been confirmed that Smith’s ankle injury is the worst of the three with Leeds Rhinos releasing a statement announcing that they will be without their loose forward for eight to ten weeks.
Smith left the field just before half time with the club’s X account initially describing it as a ‘side injury’, however, he was seen on crutches when he returned to watch the second half.
It’s now been confirmed that he has suffered an ankle injury which looks set to rule him out until April, or potentially even May.
A statement on the club website read: “Leeds Rhinos co-captain Cameron Smith has been ruled out for 8-10 weeks after suffering a syndesmosis injury to his ankle in Saturday’s win at Salford.
“Smith was injured when he was being tackled just before half time at Salford.
“He will see a consultant on Wednesday who will decide if the back rower requires surgery. Regardless of whether he has surgery or not, he is likely to be out for a period of 8-10 weeks.”
There was a more positive update on Croft and Frawley with the former set to miss this weekend’s game as he goes through HIA protocols, however, Frawley is in line to play.
The statement revealed: “Brodie Croft is recovering as expected from the concussion he suffered in the same game and will miss this Sunday’s clash with Castleford Tigers at AMT Headingley. Matt Frawley is expected to be available for selection for Head Coach Brad Arthur after having stitches in a large wound in his hand during Saturday’s game.”
