Leeds Rhinos face potential major injury blow as star set for scan

Leeds Rhinos could have a major injury concern going into their clash against Castleford Tigers.

The Rhinos brought Paul Momirovski back into their side for the Challenge Cup clash against St Helens after missing the game against them in the league.

However, towards the end of the game he picked up an ankle injury and is now set for a scan as confirmed by Rohan Smith.

He said: “He’s not too bad today, he’s having a scan this afternoon to sort of check the extent of the damage and then that will sort of give us the best indication of the path forward.”

Asked about the likelihood of him featuring against Castleford Tigers on Thursday, Smith said: “I’m not sure. Like he’s recovered okay. It’ll really depend on what the result of the scan says. Ankles can be tricky at times. They sometimes feel okay but they’re not very functional. But yeah, the scan will determine the process for the day.”

Making matters worse, David Fusitu’a is not ready to return and come in to replace Momirovski on the wing.

Smith said of Fusitu’a: “I think it was a 6-8 week surgery this week. I think later in this week it will be 5 weeks. It will be under 6 weeks if he was to play this week. So he’s not yet done enough work anyway. He’s going in the right direction and he’s in good shape and feeling really good about it. He’s near.”

Leeds Rhinos boss addresses team selection

In terms of team selection, some Leeds Rhinos fans have called for a change in the halves as some criticise Matt Frawley.

On Frawley, Smith said: “I think he’s contributed to a good vibe around our group and at points we’ve played some really good composed, smart footy. So he’s certainly been a part of that. As I said before, we’re a work in progress as a team unit and we need to get better quickly, but we haven’t been too far away from it. Against some of the better teams as well in the competition.”

Asked if he would change the halfbacks against Cas, Smith said: “No, not at all. We’re committed to the players that we’ve got in our spine and they’ll be working hard to play well this week.”