Leeds Rhinos star James Bentley ruled out indefinitely with concussion

Leeds Rhinos’ injury crisis continued to deepen as Head Coach, Rohan Smith, provided a worrying update on several long-term absentees.

Leeds are struggling for consistency this season and have suffered several major injuries to key players. Harry Newman and David Fusitu’a limped off in their defeat against Huddersfield, to add to Smith’s injury list.

Now, the under-pressure coach has provided a worrying update on three members of the Leeds first-team squad meaning that Leeds may be missing more than 6 first-team players ahead of their trip to Hull FC on Sunday.

Indefinite lay-off for Leeds Rhinos forward

Tom Holroyd and James Bentley have both missed games in recent weeks with Holroyd leaving the field during the Warrington game following a head knock that saw him fail his Head Injury Assessment (HIA), showing symptoms of concussion rendering him unable to return.

Bentley is working with a specialist, following a head injury in the Rhinos’ victory away at Castleford Tigers. That was the latest in a series of head injuries which Bentley has suffered. The Rhinos second-rower had an extended lay-off last season following a concussion.

Smith, speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, provided an update on the two absentees.

“Holroyd is moving through the (HIA) protocols but he won’t be available this weekend and Bentley has an indefinite return date. He’s awaiting further consultation in the coming weeks.”

Specifically on the Irish international, Smith explained: “He could be another couple of weeks, or he could be longer than that. We’re trying not to reserve judgement until we know and until the consultant gives us the direction on that one.

“James is in decent health but he’s not able to crank up the training load as yet. He’s in good spirits, staying positive and hoping that we can turn a corner with it and get back to full training sometime soon.”

Young prospect no closer to return

Perhaps more worrying is that Leeds remain concerned over the fitness of starlet, Morgan Gannon. The 20-year-old broke into the Leeds side in 2021 and made an immediate impact in Super League at a young age.

However, the young prospect has also suffered a series of worrying concussions meaning that Gannon is yet to feature for the first team this season and is also seeking expert medical advice. He failed a HIA during the off-season and a specialist advised that he take a three-month lay-off to fully recover, something Smith has reaffirmed he is happy to allow happen.

“He’s returning no time soon. A decision on when that return is will come in the next little while. We’re certainly not rushing that one. He’s been through a lot that kid so we’re playing the long game on that one.”

Everyone associated with the Leeds Rhinos will be hoping all three can soon make a full recovery. The Rhinos need all three on the playing to lift their struggling side.