Rohan Smith has revealed when Leeds Rhinos star Ash Handley could return from injury after he went off against Wakefield Trinity in Round Four.
Smith said this week:
“He’s back in some rehab style running and he’s progressing nicely. I’d hope the game against Leigh, before the break, would be his return.”
Handley, interestingly, hasn’t started a game on the wing in 2023 playing at centre.
He scored a sublime try in Leeds’ brilliant win over St Helens in Round Three but with Harry Newman back, Handley could be back to his preferred wing spot when he returns unless the likes of Derrell Olpherts, David Fusitu’a or even Nene MacDonald keep a hold of those roles.
One player who is back from injury is Mikolaj Oledzki and Smith confirmed he would play against Hull KR:
“Mikolaj will be playing on Friday.
“It is a great, he is a loveable character and a great player and teammate. Everyone is excited to have him back and none more so than him.
“He has had an extended rehab and at the end of last season he was playing in pain and doing what he could for his country and that led to surgery.
“It is great to have your best players available. Our squad is getting healthier. We will need a full squad.”
He also spoke about his selection headache in the middle:
“We have had players who have played well who have missed out on selection which is hard as a coach.
“You have got to do what is right for the team but also you have to have a view of the future.”
