Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur has confirmed a target date for injured top try scorer Maika Sivo’s return to action following his broken forearm.
The Fijian, who has touched down 31 times in all competitions this year, was hurt in the first half of last Sunday’s home win against Bradford Bulls.
He is facing a long spell on the sidelines, but is expected back before the end of the season. However, a teammate has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign, which will mean a debut for one of Rhinos’ most highly-rated youngsters when Toulouse Olympique visit Headingley on Friday.
Speaking at his weekly preview press conference today (Wednesday), Arthur said: “Maika had a plate put in this morning. I’d say his return will be against Hull in the last round [on September 11].
“It’s a broken forearm. He won’t be in plaster, he’ll be in a brace and look after it for the first couple of weeks, make sure there’s no infection, but after 10 days, maybe two weeks max, we’ll be able to run him and keep him fit. He’ll just have to avoid any contact, and he’ll be right to go for that last game.”
Forward Ben Littlewood made his first Super League start for Leeds last week, but limped off in the first half.
“It’s his hamstring and probably [he’s out for] the season, which is unfortunate for him,” Arthur said.
Littlewood suffered a broken hand playing on loan for York Knights earlier this year, and Arthur added: “He has just got to stay strong.
“These periods for young blokes, if they can come out the other side of it it will make them better players.”
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The versatile Chris Hankinson will return from a concussion layoff on Friday, and Arthur confirmed 18-year-old back-rower Zak Lloyd, who was 18th man against the Bulls, will make his debut.
Of Rhinos’ other injuries, Arthur revealed hooker Danny Levi is facing at least another two games on the sidelines after his neck injury at Castleford Tigers a fortnight ago.
“It certainly won’t be within a month from the time of his injury,” Arthur said of Levi’s comeback.
“It is a minimum of four weeks, and from there it’s just when everyone’s comfortable and he’s comfortable – it’s just a week at a time as we progress him back into contact slowly.
“It could be another week or two after that or another three or four. I am not sure, but it is definitely a month from the time of injury.”
Like Sivo, prop Keenan Palasia (foot) is on track for the Hull game, and centre Ash Handley and winger Ryan Hall are “touch and go” for next week’s derby at Wakefield Trinity.
