Leeds Rhinos: Rohan Smith confirms double boost for Saints clash

Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith has provided an injury update ahead of their game against St Helens this week.

Leeds Rhinos form hasn’t been good, and they’re off the back of a heavy defeat to Catalans Dragons in the last round of Super League.

However, there is better news coming, as Rohan Smith says there are two major boosts for the side going into this weekend.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, he said: “Tom Holroyd is progressing but quite slowly, so he’s not got a return-to-play date yet but we’re hoping that it’s relatively soon.”

Holroyd missed Rivals Round in March due to an elbow injury, and also has suffered numerous injuries recently.

Smith said in March: “Tom played for the good of the team last year through a lot of injuries and kept turning up, but given we’ve got fresh and fit middles we didn’t need Tom to go through that.”

He has also suffered a concussion.

Leeds Rhinos to welcome back offensive firepower

Part of Leeds Rhinos identity under Rohan Smith has been the ability to score points from anywhere on the field but that’s been hindered of late by injuries to their backs and wingers David Fusitu’a and Riley Lumb still remain unavailable.

However, there is set to be a return for one of Leeds Rhinos’ star centres and the club’s major signing ahead of the 2024 season with both Harry Newman and Brodie Croft in line for returns.

On Brodie Croft, Smith said: “He’s back into full training with a view to play this weekend. Obviously, he’s a top-quality player and he’s played well this year. Brodie’s been probably one of our most consistent player this year. It’ll be great to have him back.”

Having Croft back in the halves could prove a huge boost for Smith’s men, but so could centre Harry Newman who has been out with a back injury.

On him, Smith said: “Yeah, Harry’s back, he’s been in full training this week as well, so pending if everything pulls up after today’s session, he’ll be back in the mix on Friday as well.”

Leeds Rhinos, up against St Helens, are looking to avoid a repeat of the Super League and Challenge Cup fixtures against the same side, which they lost 18-8 and 20-6 in the space of a week.

You can watch the game at 8 pm on Friday 24th May, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Action.