Leeds Rhinos’ Challenge Cup third round win against Widnes Vikings came at a cost with a big-name player set to miss Friday’s Super League opener away to Leigh Leopards.
Rhinos battled to a 25-12 victory at the Championship club, but lost England prop Mikolaj Oledzki with what could be a long-term injury.
Oledzki suffered damaged ribs midway through the first half and coach Brad Arthur confirmed he is a major doubt for next week.
In addition, loose-forward Cameron Smith didn’t feature after the break but is expected to be available for the game in six days’ time.
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Speaking straight after the game, Arthur was unsure as to the extent of Oledzki’s injury, but admitted: “Looking at him now, he doesn’t look great.”
Smith underwent back surgery last year and the Cup tie was his first competitive game since July.
Arthur said: “He was just a bit tight through his groin. We probably knew that going into the game, but we were a bit low on troops.
“He did the right thing, got us off to a start. He was prepared to go back out in the second half, but I had the confidence in the other guys and we’d only made two changes up to that point.”
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