Leeds Rhinos have suffered a blow four weeks out from their first competitive game of the season.
Giant signing Jeremiah Mata’utia is “touch and go” for the Betfred Super League opener at Leigh Leopards on Friday, February 13. The prop, signed from Gold Coast Titans, was due to start in today’s Brad Singleton testimonial game at Castleford Tigers, but was withdrawn after damaging a knee in training.
Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease said Mata’utia – who was a spectator at Castleford – does not need surgery, but is facing “a few weeks” on the casualty list and is “touch and go” for the visit to Leigh. He joins outside-back Alfie Edgell (thigh) in Leeds’ treatment room.
The news comes as a setback for Brad Arthur as the Rhinos continue to build up to the new campaign. The Rhinos will take on Bradford Bulls next Saturday in a pre-season friendly which will act as a testimonial contest for Cameron Smith.
That game comes just a fortnight before Leeds take on either Widnes Vikings or Thatto Heath Crusaders in the third round of the Challenge Cup. Mata’utia will more than likely have to watch both of those games from the stands.
The prop is one of three signings made by the West Yorkshire outfit over the off-season with Ethan O’Neill and Danny Levi also making the switch to Headingley.
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