Leeds Rhinos injury crisis as 2 more ruled out of Super League semi-final v Warrington Wolves
Leeds Rhinos are facing an injury crisis ahead of Friday’s semi-final against Warrington Wolves.
Rhinos are set to be without three first-choice backs in the play-off which will see the victors go through to the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, against either Wigan Warriors or Wakefield Trinity, eight days later. The Yorkshire Evening Post understands captain Ash Handley has sustained a back problem and centre Jack Bird has a hamstring injury.
They join Lachie Miller, who suffered season-ending hamstring damage three weeks ago, on the casualty list. Handley was due to play at full-back on Friday in place of fellow Man of Steel contender Miller.
Coach Brad Arthur will hold his weekly press conference today (Wednesday) and name a 21-man squad at noon. With Miller and Handley both out, rookie Fergus McCormack is likely to be called up at full-back for just his fifth first team game. Chris Hankinson, who switched from the three-quarters to second-row this year, is the leading option to take over from Bird at centre.
Outside-back Alfie Edgell suffered a season-ending injury last month and hooker Danny Levi is also on the list of players who won’t feature again this year. Rhinos are expected to be boosted by the return of second-rower James McDonnell from a pectoral muscle injury.