Leeds Rhinos recall forward amidst injury crisis

Leeds Rhinos have recalled youngster Leon Ruan from his short-term loan move with Doncaster RLFC

The forward made only a single appearance for Doncaster, in a derby against Sheffield Eagles, before suffering an injury in training with Leeds Rhinos.

Ruan was signed on a full-time contract at Headingley ahead of the 2023 season, signing from Doncaster when they were in League One.

The 20-year-old made his way through the Wakefield academy ranks.

In 2022, he scored a try in a 52-20 win that sent the Dons to the promotion final and was nominated for League One Young Player of the Season.

This signing comes amidst an injury crisis for Rohan Smith’s side, with two forwards, James Bentley and Tom Holroyd, ruled out of their game against Huddersfield Giants on Friday.

Ruan was expected to make a second appearance of the season against Wakefield Trinity but wasn’t named in the squad.

Upon agreeing this recent loan deal, Doncaster head coach Richard Horne explained: “Bringing Leon back was an easy decision, we know him as a person already from his previous time with us, as well as the quality he will add to the squad.”

However, he only made one appearance in South Yorkshire, and now, he has the opportunity to potentially make his way into a Super League squad.

Ruan was the latest in a flurry of youngsters from Super League to make a loan switch with Leigh Leopards having sent a trio of players to the competition on two-week deals.

Bradford Bulls also brought in two Super League rising stars to try and aid them for their two games against Halifax and Featherstone, but it’s Doncaster who have pried Ruan from Leeds Rhinos.

With Ruan now back at Headingley there’s a strong chance he features this week against Huddersfield Giants given the confirmation that both James Bentley and Tom Holroyd remain out after head knocks.