Leeds Rhinos are headed to the Grand Final, that much is clear. What is less clear is who will be in the Rhinos’ 17 as they pursue a ninth Grand Final win.
Rhyse Martin and Morgan Gannon will definitely be back, but there are question marks over the likes of Ash Handley and David Fusitu’a in terms of a return.
It also looked like Leeds were set to be without former Huddersfield Giants halfback Aidan Sezer when he was hit late by John Bateman after a kick which resulted in a red card for the second row.
It was then reported by Sky Sports that he had failed his HIA ruling him out of the rest of the game but also next week’s showpiece final in a cruel twist of fate akin to Brodie Croft’s absence in today’s semi for Salford against St Helens.
However, the Rhinos have been a huge boost with a twist in the tale ahead of the Grand Final in terms of Sezer’s situation.
After the game, Leeds boss Rohan Smith revealed that he didn’t quite know the situation with the halfback: “I haven’t even spoken to the doctor, we’ll speak about Aidan on the way home.”
That gave Leeds fans cause to optimistic before Rugby League Live revealed that the halfback had indeed passed his HIA and was simply kept off as a precaution.
This means he could still in contention for the Grand Final next weekend against either reigning Champions St Helens or underdogs Salford.
The incident that led to Sezer’s absence didn’t derail Leeds’ charge to Old Trafford with the Rhinos leading 14-4 at that point before a second James Bentley try sealed the win.
Nonetheless, Leeds boss Smith was still asked about the incident but didn’t have much to say on the matter: “I didn’t really watch the replays. It seemed like a late tackle out of the corner of my eye.”
