Leeds Rhinos confirm “timely return” of star player

Leeds Rhinos’ head coach Rohan Smith has provided an update on his side’s injury issues heading into their game against Huddersfield Giants on Friday night.

It was a week off for the Rhinos after being knocked out of the Challenge Cup earlier this year but that extra week hasn’t been enough for three of their key players to recover from injury.

Two of those players were forced to leave the field in the loss against Warrington Wolves with the Rhinos losing Tom Holroyd (HIA) and Ash Handley (Ribs) early on in the first half.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Smith has provided an update on the pair.

On Handley, he said: “He was cleared of a fractured rib but he’s got a rib cartilage issue there which can be pretty painful, particularly in those opening week or two. So he won’t be available this week.

“It’ll be a week-to-week proposition from that point.”

That had been expected with Handley himself providing an update throughout the week, but Holroyd had been expected to return but that’s not been the case.

Smith explained: “Tom Holroyd hasn’t progressed quickly enough through the HIA protocol, so he won’t be available this weekend either. Aside from that, we’ve come through pretty well.”

Leeds Rhinos will also be without forward James Bentley.

“James is still working through the HIA protocol and he’s had some symptoms so he’s been set back a little bit further. There’s no exact date on that return but he won’t be back in the next couple of weeks.”

Star winger returning for Leeds Rhinos

Due to the club’s injury issues in the pack they’ve been forced to recall young forward Leon Ruan from Doncaster and he’ll likely slide right into the squad.

Another man who has been dubbed a “timely return” by Smith is winger David Fusitu’a with the overseas star yet to play this season.

“Fus has trained fully this week in preparation to play Friday,” Smith explained, adding: “It’s a shame to be missing Ash, but a timely return for Fus.”

He’s expecting plenty from the winger and noted his strong relationship with centre Harry Newman as something to look forward to.

“Obviously, he’s a strong ball carrier and a threat in the air. Him and Harry have a good partnership on and off the field, so we’re looking to sort of further bolster the threat on that right edge with those two together, yardage, carries, and hopefully we can get some kicks over to him as well.”