It is only half-time in the clash between Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls, but the home side have already suffered three injury blows.
In a game that celebrates the testimonial of Cameron Smith, Leeds have had to make three substitutions prematurely due to knocks suffered.
First, star forward James McDonnell was helped by the physio team off the pitch, as the back rower hobbled down to the dressing room.
The soon to be Perth Bears man was trying to get his side out of their own 10m area, but a strong tackle that involved three Bradford men resulted in the knock.
It is unclear at this stage what the prognosis it, but with the club’s first competitive game just two weeks away, both the club and their fans will be left sweating.
Minutes later, utility Chris Hankinson then left the field. The ex-Salford man featured on the wing, but will play a number of toles for Leeds across the year.
Then, after scoring twice, captain Ash Handley walked down the tunnel with what looked to be a groin injury, the same type of knock that ruled him out for the final part of 2025.
McDonnell left the field on 15 minutes, and at that point the scores remained 0-0. Hankinson followed just moments after, and was replaced by Riley Lumb.
Handley departed minutes before half time, after scoring both of Leeds’ tries at that point.
Two late scores, one from each side, means that at half-time, the Rhinos lead 16-12.
