Jack Bird debut chances assessed as Leeds Rhinos boss talks possible Mik Oledzki return v Castleford Tigers
New signing Jack Bird could have to wait for his Leeds Rhinos debut.
Bird joined Rhinos a fortnight ago from NRL outfit Wests Tigers. He trained with the reserves last week – when the first team were in Las Vegas – and has been named in the initial squad for Sunday’s visit of Castleford Tigers.
But, speaking at his weekly preview press conference today (Friday), Arthur revealed it is unlikely Bird will feature this weekend. “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.”
Prop Mikolaj Oledzki, who hasn’t made a Betfred Super League appearance this year after suffering damaged ribs during Leeds’ Challenge Cup win at Widnes Vikings a month ago, has also been drafted into Rhinos 21. Arthur confirmed: “He has got a chance.
“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.”
One player who definitely won’t feature this week is stand-off Brodie Croft. He was injured in last week’s win against Hull KR and his place will be taken by teenager George Brown. 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.”
After Sunday Rhinos have a short turnaround to another derby, at Wakefield Trinity in the Challenge Cup a week today. Arthur said: “It’s a week at a time, but I’d say he would [miss that 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.”