Rohan Smith reveals huge blow for Leeds

Rohan Smith has confirmed a huge blow for Leeds Rhinos today.

Last week Smith said that star winger David Fusitu’a was facing six to eight weeks on the sidelines after “a decent ankle injury” against Hull KR which forced him from the field.

However, the winger has had to have surgery now and faces three months out instead.

Smith said: “He had surgery last Tuesday or Wednesday I think so it will be a 10-12 week type injury unlike the six to eight weeks we thought was the initial prognosis.”

He went on to speak on how disappointing it is for the international but said he will come back stronger.

“Yeah he is disappointed but he also understands that can happen in the game so he will use this period to reboot and rebuild and get ready for the back end of the season where he can bring us some energy and some fresh enthusiasm which will be a boost for us.”

Interestingly, Derrell Olpherts is again absent from the 21-man squad despite this injury as he was last week.

Many wondered if the former Salford Red Devils and Castleford Tigers winger had been dropped after he struggled in the rain against Hull KR.

However, it was confirmed by Rohan Smith today that he picked up an early injury in that game but powered through on a night where Leeds had already lost Richie Myler and Nene MacDonald and would lose David Fusitu’a later on.

Smith said of Olpherts’ injury:

“Derrell has had a calf injury, he picked up a calf injury early in the game against Hull KR so he’s been injured that is why he hasn’t made the last two squads.”

He also confirmed that Morgan Gannon will play for the reserves this week as he recovers from a nasty head knock:

“Morgan Gannon will play some time in reserves.”