Today Leeds Rhinos made a number of changes to their side for their pre-season clash with Bradford Bulls with the likes of Aidan Sezer, Blake Austin, Justin Sangare and Kruise Leeming all missing out despite featuring against Leigh Leopards last week.
After the game, Chev Walker confirmed that these players were simply rested and there were no injury concerns:
“They were just rested, it was a good opportunity to work on some other combinations that might happen throughout the year. I wouldn’t read too much into who played today.”
When asked how the rehab of players like Nene MacDonald and Harry Newman was progressing, Walker gave the following update:
“Yeah really good, they’re on the right path. They’re getting prescribed stuff that will make sure they will be in a good enough place when the time is right for them to play.
“There is no pressure for them to play.”
He also explained why David Fusitu’a was again absent after missing last week through illness:
“Again, it’s just a case of getting a bit of training under his belt. There’s no rush for him, or anyone to be playing.
“When the time is right he’ll play.
“He’s training and he’s getting what he needs. He’s fit. He’s had some unluckiness with his illness and the smart thing is rather than pushing him through is to use other players.
“He’ll come right. I don’t think anyone has come to full speed until Round Four and all the games early rounds show that so it is a case of managing that and building players into it.”
New signing James McDonnell was the only new injury concern today after he limped off, on him Walker said: “He’s fine. Just precaution really. No major issue really. He could have played on.”
Lastly he explained that Derrell Olpherts’ late withdrawal was down to illness:
“It was just illness I think, he’s alright.”
