Leeds Rhinos have close to a fully-fit squad, but coach Brad Arthur says they are taking a cautious approach with the three players on their casualty list.
Only outside-back Alfie Edgell, centre Max Simpson and half-back George Brown are unavailable for Friday’s visit to Huddersfield Giants.
Edgell suffered a thigh injury in Rhinos’ Boxing Day game against Wakefield Trinity and was expected to be sidelined for 14-16 weeks.
Arthur revealed Edgell is itching to get back on the field, but stressed there is no need to take chances with the 21-year-old’s fitness.
“I reckon he is still four-six weeks away,” Arthur said of the winger/full-back. “It was quite a serious injury and he has had surgery, so we are just taking it a bit slower than we predicted at the start.
“Alfie is desperate and keen to get back out there and play, but we can afford to take our time and make sure we are doing the right thing by him long-term.
“It is a long season and things will chop and change so we just need to make sure when he comes back he stays back.”
Edgell made his first team debut in Leeds’ final game of 2023 and played 16 times the following year.
After recovering from a broken jaw sustained in pre-season, he added eight more appearances last term before his campaign was ended by a foot injury.
His contract was due to expire this autumn, but in January the club triggered an option which will keep him at the club until the end of next year.
Arthur said: “He is a real good club person and team player and he is highly valued by his teammates, which is really important.”
Leeds Rhinos boss provides injury update on promising trio
Simpson, also 21, won’t play this year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the second of his career, in a January pre-season match.
Nineteen-year-old half-back Brown made four senior appearances at the start of this season, but has been out of action since damaging a knee in last month’s Betfred Challenge Cup loss at Wakefield Trinity and is also likely to sit out the rest of the campaign.
“It is tough for them, but their spirits are high,” Arthur said. “The boys have been good around them, especially in Max’s case.
“He is so tough and mentally resilient, which he has had to be throughout his whole career. It is just another setback for him, but he will push through it.
“He is looking forward to his opportunity next year and the same with George. George is [focussing on] using this opportunity to get a bit bigger and put some muscle on.”
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