Leeds Rhinos confirm Brodie Croft injury as Brad Arthur reveals NRL signing’s debut chances

Star stand-off Brodie Croft is facing a race against time to be fit for Leeds Rhinos’ Challenge Cup derby at Wakefield Trinity next week.

Croft was a surprise omission from Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad to face visitors Castleford Tigers on Sunday and boss Brad Arthur revealed he is also a major doubt for the Cup tie.

The Australian former Man of Steel scored two tries in last Saturday’s Las Vegas win against Hull KR, but was added to Leeds’ injury list when they arrived back in the UK.

Speaking at his weekly preview press conference today (Friday), Arthur said: “We weren’t aware of it until we got back and he wasn’t aware of it happening in the game, but he has got a slight hamstring strain.

“It’s not bad, but it’s early in the season. It’s a week at a time, but I’d say he would [miss next week’s game] because it’s only another five days.

“We give the players every opportunity. We want them to rehab themselves hard and smart and do everything they can to make themselves available.

“It is nothing major, we are trying to work out when he did it on the field – he couldn’t feel it.”

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Leeds Rhinos bolstered by Oledzki return

New signing Jack Bird and England prop Mikolaj Oledzki have both been drafted into Leeds’ initial squad for this weekend.

Bird joined Rhinos a fortnight ago from NRL outfit Wests Tigers and trained with the reserves last week, but Arthur said it is unlikely he will feature against Castleford.

“He’s probably not ready physically where I need him to be at the moment, for what the team needs him to do,” Arthur said of the Aussie who can play multiple roles across the backs and in the pack.

“He has just got a little bit of work to do, but he is going to be a handy addition once he does join the team. I don’t think [he’ll play on Sunday], I don’t think it’s fair on him or the team.”

Oledzki hasn’t made a Super League appearance this year after suffering damaged ribs during Leeds’ Challenge Cup win at Widnes Vikings a month ago.

“Mik has got a chance,” Arthur added. “He pushed himself to try and be available last week. He is close, but we will see how he goes at training today.

“We certainly don’t need to rush guys back in if they are not up to doing their job.”