Rohan Smith explains Blake Austin’s absence as he reveals bad news on two Leeds Rhinos stars

With injuries coming thick and fast for all Super League teams in 2022, it has been difficult to pick a settled side for most head coaches.

One such head coach is Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith who has had to contend with the likes of Kruise Leeming, Cameron Smith and Liam Sutcliffe being absent for long periods of time.

Having said that, despite a short turnaround, his players are relatively healthy following the loss to the Catalans Dragons at the weekend.

“We’ve come through that game reasonably well, we will be back on the field tomorrow and pick a 21-man squad from there,” Smith said.

However, one man that will not return is Blake Austin after he picked up a knock in the win over the Huddersfield Giants.

“Blake picked up a knock in the warm up and he battled through the game but pulled up quite stiff.

“He’s got an internal or external rotator injury in his hip. It’s not a common injury but hopefully the longer our season goes the more chance he will be back.

“David Fusitu’a won’t be available this week, and he would probably be out for the week after if we get through.”

Of course, Leeds come up against neighbours Castleford Tigers this weekend with the winner going through to the Super League play-offs and Smith knows just how important the clash will be.

“It’s going to be a massive clash; it’s a derby game and everything is at stake. We are expecting everything they have got and we will give everything we’ve got and we will see how it goes.

“It’s a unique place to watch a game and to be part of a game there is no place like it. I’m expecting there to be plenty of people here

“Complacency is a disease I am not familiar with and every game is a must win. We’ve got to prep as usual but there is more riding on it.”