Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur expects to have at least four injured players back in next week’s sudden-death play-off.
Full-back Lachie Miller, winger Ryan Hall and hooker Andy Ackers have all dropped out of Rhinos’ squad for tomorrow’s final game of the regular season, at Wigan Warriors and centre Ash Handley and scrum-half Jake Connor remain sidelined.
Rhinos have already secured home advantage in the play-off eliminators and are likely to face St Helens on Saturday, September, 27.
Leeds will field a strong pack against the defending champions and a makeshift backline, but Arthur is confident next week’s side will be much stronger.
Speaking at his weekly preview press conference today (Thursday), Arthur said: “At this stage, Hally, Lachie and Jake will definitely be in. Ash is heading in the right direction and we are pretty confident he will be back in.”
Leeds Rhinos boss on Jake Connor injury latest
Connor, Rhinos’ player of the year and Man of Steel favourite, suffered a rib injury against Huddersfield Giants two weeks ago.
His return will be crucial and Arthur added: “He trained all right on Tuesday. We did some opposed stuff and he was in the opposition, but he had the non-contact bib on.
“Just another week of non-contact and after tomorrow’s game we have got an eight-day turnaround, so he’ll be good to go.”
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The Rhinos coach stressed he is picking “whoever’s available” for tomorrow and none of the missing players have been rested.
“Ackers has had back spasms so he’s not available,” he said. “Hally has been carrying a rib for a couple of games now and is at a point where he needs to have that week off.
“Jake is still another week away and Lachie’s calves are a bit tight, particularly his left calf.
“There’s no need to put him out there and risk him and Ash has got his groin injury. We haven’t rested anyone, we have got a lot more respect for our team and our club to do that and a lot more respect for the opposition we are playing, too.
“These guys are genuinely injured. I am not one for resting guys, we need them to play. I think momentum is a good thing and consistency on the field.”
