Leeds have been doing it tough all season in terms of injuries and absences.
The Rhinos began the campaign without the likes of Jack Walker, Rob Lui, Harry Newman and Ash Handley. Of course, throughout the season they’ve welcomed back injured players but went onto lose other stars to long term injuries or self-isolation.
Recently, Luke Gale, Mikolaj Oledzki and Alex Mellor have all been ruled out for the rest of the season and against Huddersfield Leeds were without plenty of key players including captain Matt Prior and the in-form Cameron Smith.
However, the Rhinos appear set to welcome back one or two stars ahead of their huge clash with fellow play-off hopefuls Wigan on Wednesday night.
Today, the Rhinos tweeted: “Good to see some reinforcements back in training ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Wigan.”
Good to see some reinforcements back in training ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Wigan pic.twitter.com/sicyOpvSVj
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) August 22, 2021
They also attached four pictures to the post depicting four returning stars in the shape of Rhyse Martin, Cameron Smith, Jack Broadbent and captain Matt Prior. However, the pictures also reveal that Brad Dwyer could be a doubt for the Wigan clash as he can be seen wearing a bib which appears to indicate he’s not 100% fit. This should come as no surprise with coach Richard Agar admitting he probably shouldn’t have played in the win over Huddersfield due to illness.
Another doubt for the game is winger Ash Handley who left the field with a groin problem on Friday night. But Jack Broadbent’s availability as well as the promising performances of Levi Edwards on loan at Batley should provide some consolation.
As should Matt Prior’s return. Handley has been skippering the side in Prior’s absence, so the number 10’s return after self-isolation will provide the Rhinos with much needed leadership should Handley prove to be unfit.
Speaking to the Rhinos YouTube channel today, Prior said: “I’m excited to be back. Obviously a bit of time off has done me a bit of good. Time to refresh and recharge the batteries and get ready for the run home.”
“It was pretty frustrating. First few days, it’s pretty hard to get your head around being stuck inside.”
Speaking about Leeds’ play-off hopes, he added: “The boys have been playing well. I think we need to win all our games but I think it’s doable.”
