Leeds Rhinos man gives injury update as “frustrating” lay-off nears end

Leeds Rhinos co-captain Cam Smith has spoken ahead of Magic Weekend to provide an update on his injury and possible return.

Smith was named co-captain along with Ash Handley by head coach Brad Arthur but he has only featured twice in Super League with the second of those performances cut short due to this injury.

In the Round Two fixtures against Salford Red Devils, Smith suffered a syndesmosis injury as it appeared his ankle got stuck underneath a tackle.

Leeds quickly confirmed that their loose forward would be ruled out for “eight to ten weeks” which set his return date to late April, if he recovered quickly, or early May.

Smith was on media duties ahead of the Rhinos trip to Newcastle for Magic Weekend and the Leeds’ skipper confirmed just how close he is to making a playing return.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, the Rhinos co-captain revealed: “I’m not too far off. It’s been about seven weeks since my operation so I’m well down the track but I’m not quite sure when I’m going to be back yet so I’m just taking it game by game but I’m not too far off.”

Leeds Rhinos star backs Magic Weekend concept

In his absence Leeds have benefited from Keenan Palasia at loose forward whilst the recent addition of Kallum Watkins has also bolstered the Rhinos pack, however, their talismanic forward will be a welcome boost when he does return.

On having to watch from the sidelines, he confirmed: “It’s definitely frustrating. I’m not used to not playing either, I’ve not been injured for a while up until this recent one so it is frustrating but it’s good to see that the boys are going really well and showing real promising signs.

“I’m just excited to get back and add my little bit to the team.”

He also offered his support to the concept of Magic Weekend and St James Park as a venue with the event returning to it’s spiritual home after being held in Leeds at Elland Road last year.

Smith said: “I’ve featured in six Magic Weekends, won three and lost three. It’s an awesome stadium to play at. Me and Mikolaj came up for the football a couple of weeks ago and that was amazing.

“I love the concept of Magic Weekend with all the teams playing on one day is awesome. If you’re not a rugby league fan, you can still tune in and get a glimpse of every team.”

Smith also backed the initiative launched by Super League where sponsors Betfred will donate £180 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association in honour Rob Burrow for every try celebration, a concept the loose forward described as “awesome”.

Leeds will be hoping to rack up the tries against St Helens, and Smith previewed the match as such: “It’s a big game and we’re coming off the back of a frustrating loss. We’ve been there or thereabouts in a lot of games this year but we’re just not quite getting the results so it’s a real important test.”