Leeds Rhinos’ injury woes continue as five players ruled out

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach, Rohan Smith, is under pressure. Leeds Rhinos produced a turgid performance against Super League strugglers, Hull FC, winning 18-12. However, Leeds had expected to win the game by a wide margin. Sky Sports pundit, Sam Tomkins, predicted a 40-point victory before the game.

Leeds were grateful for two tries on debut from 17 year-old Riley Lumb. Lumb was the one ray of hope in an otherwise poor performance. But, the Rhinos suffered a further injury blow, as off-season recruit, Paul Momirovski, limped off. This fresh injury means the Rhinos are in the middle of an injury crisis.

James Bentley, Morgan Gannon and Tom Holroyd are all suffering with concussions. Outside backs, Ash Handley and Harry Newman, are not long term absentees, but missed the game against Hull. Winger, David Fusitu’a will to miss up to two months with a knee injury.

Smith has provided an update on his injured stars, ahead of this weekend’s game against London Broncos.

Leeds Rhinos injury crisis deepens 

Smith confirmed Momirovski’s injury is a serious one. The ex-Sydney Roosters man faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines. He has suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury and needs to see a specialist to determine the full extent of the injury.

“It’s the same ankle. It’s definitely more serious than the injury that he had. He’d managed that quite well to the point where he had no issue until he got it caught in an awkward position when we made that break down the right side. “So yeah it’s quite sore at the moment. It’s more serious than last time, but to learn the extent of it we’ll wait and see what the specialist says.”

Rhinos taking precautions with head injuries

The Rhinos will also be without forwards, Tom Holroyd and James Bentley. Both are suffering from the symptoms of concussion. The Rhinos are pursuing a safety first approach. Whilst both are progressing, they are not in contention for the game against London.

“Tom Holroyd is seeing a consultant. He had some ongoing symptoms which have sort of tapered off but with the duration of those milder symptoms, the club wanted to take precautions there and get it checked out. He won’t be available this week and then we’ll wait for that consultant review to take the path forward.

“James Bentley has been making good progress in the last week or since we last spoke about James. He’s certainly improved and pushing along with his training which is really positive but he won’t be back any time soon.”

Handley and Newman expected to miss London

However there is better news regarding Ash Handley and Harry Newman. Although both remain doubtful for the game against London. Smith has a decision to make on whether he wants to risk aggrevating their injuries against London. He may prefer to target the tough trip to Perpignan the following week.

Anything other than a big win against London will heap the pressure on the beleaguered Rhinos boss.

“Both unlikely but we’ll see how they get going. Harry’s had an epidural in his back and he’s back settling down well. He’s definitely getting around much better but he hasn’t done any full training as yet. “Ash is back to some quality movement. He’s out there doing some skills and some running. He’s just got to progress things towards contact. “Those guys have been working away on their rehab in the background but with no training today so we’ll see where they are at tomorrow and make a call regarding the 21, I’d say they’re probably both doubtful.”