Leeds Rhinos are battling a mounting injury list going into the business end of the Betfred Super League season.
Fifth-placed Rhinos were without seven of their top 20 squad numbers for last Thursday’s 15-14 loss at Wakefield Trinity and picked up two more injuries during the game.
The split round means they have no game this weekend and the break has come at a good time ahead of a crucial trip to Leigh Leopards, who are third in the table, on Thursday, August 7.
Leeds hope to have up to three first-choice players back for that match, but at least one of the team on duty for the Rhinos last time out against Wakefield seems certain to be ruled out. Here’s Rhinos’ latest casualty list and when injured players could be back on the field.
What Leeds Rhinos’ injury room looks like
Andy Ackers
The hooker has made only two substitute appearances since recovering from a long-term hamstring injury in June. He was in contention to play against Wakefield, but missed out through illness so could be available for Rhinos’ next game, at Leigh Leopards in two weeks’ time.
Ethan Clark-Wood
Rhinos’ Australian outside-back damaged a shoulder in training last week and the injury could end his season.
Jake Connor
Rhinos’ Man of Steel contender and half-back failed a head injury assessment during the derby at Wakefield. If he comes through the return to play protocol, he will be available to face Leigh.
Alfie Edgell
The winger will undergo scans on a foot injury sustained against Wakefield. The extent of the damage isn’t yet known.
Morgan Gannon
The second-rower hasn’t played since the defeat at St Helens on May 3, when he sustained damage to an ankle. He is expected to be back in contention when Rhinos visit Leigh.
Tom Holroyd
The England squad member sustained a scaphoid (wrist) injury in Leeds’ win at Hull KR on July 6. He could be in contention for the trip to Castleford Tigers on August 16 or the following week’s visit of Hull KR.
Ned McCormack
The rookie centre hasn’t played since suffering hamstring damage in the act of scoring against Warrington Wolves in July last year. He had an operation and was set to miss the entire season, but is now in contention for the reserves fixture at Castleford Tigers on August 17.
Tom Nicholson-Watton
The prop has been ruled out since the start of May with a stress fracture of a foot. He is making progress, but a return date hasn’t been confirmed.
Mikolaj Oledzki
The England hopeful underwent surgery after suffering a fractured cheekbone and damage to an eye socket in Leeds’ home loss to St Helens on July 11. He was expected to be out of action for around six weeks so, if all goes well, could be in contention for the visit of Hull KR on August 21, or the following week at Hull FC.
Max Simpson
The centre made his first appearance since an anterior cruciate ligament tear in January, 2023, for Rhinos’ reserves against Warrington last month. He had a setback in that game, but is hoping to play for the second team at Castleford in August.
Maika Sivo
Leeds’ star wing signing suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Ash Handley’s testimonial game against Wigan in January, ruling him out of the entire campaign.
Cameron Smith
A back problem kept the co-captain and loose-forward out of Thursday’s game at Wakefield, following a short turnaround from the previous match. He is set to return against Leigh.
