Rohan Smith confirms new Leeds Rhinos signing will miss Round One

Rohan Smith has confirmed that star signing Nene MacDonald won’t be ready for Round One, but says that the centre is close.

He commented on this after the Rhinos were beaten today by Hull KR 26-4 in a game where the Rhinos were “outplayed” in the view of Smith after the game as he spoke to the press before revealing that MacDonald won’t be set for Round One.

He said: “No he won’t be ready for Round One.

“I think I have said the last few times when asked about Nene that he wouldn’t be ready for Round One.

“Maybe when it first happened there was a chance but most doctors say 12-14 weeks, it’s hard everyone heels differently.

“If there was one game left of the season then he would play, but it’s Round One.”

Smith confirmed that fellow outside back Derrell Olpherts should return to full training next week after battling illness recently.

Meanwhile, he explained that James McDonnell’s absence was down to illness as well saying that the former Wigan Warriors man would have happily played but had a fever.

He is the third player to miss out through illness this pre-season after Olpherts and David Fusitu’a whose second half absence was explained as being down to a knock at halftime but is fine and was “frustrated” after being taken off.