The reason why Leeds Rhinos star David Fusitu’a isn’t playing against Catalans Dragons today

Most weeks Leeds have to do with injury blows or suspensions but for once the news surrounding the Rhinos squad this week was much more positive.

David Fusitu’a was expected to play after an ankle injury last week against Wigan as Matt Prior returned from a ban and Aidan Sezer from injury.

The last two happened, by Fusitu’a was absent when the Rhinos revealed their team with Liam Tindall cutting his loan with Bradford immediately off to take over on the wing.

The reason given was that he hadn’t travelled on “compassionate grounds” but now Leeds boss Rohan Smith has explained it in more detail.

Smith said on the Rhinos Twitter: “Fus is expecting baby number two imminent pretty much. So we made the chose to leave him at home so he can spend some time with his family.”

We caught up with Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Rohan Smith to talk about tonight's team including news about David Fusitu'a, Aidan Sezer and James Donaldson
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— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) July 30, 2022

Smith also said he was excited to see Liam Tindall figure as he comes in to replace him after only playing a handful of minutes under the new Leeds boss: “I’m excited to give Liam Tindall his first opportunity in my time. He had a short cameo off the bench against Toulouse but excited to see him start the game.”

Leeds are boosted by the return of Aidan Sezer to scrum half, Smith spoke highly of him before the game: “We’ve played well when he hasn’t been with us but clearly he’s a dominant player for his and has a quality kicking game.”

That move saw Cameron Smith drop to the bench instead of his usual 13 spot which is held by James Donaldson again today.

Smith explained the thinking behind this: “Donno has done a good job at starting. We’re sharing the load in the middle a little bit and then Cam comes on and dominates the game after that hopefully.”