Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur has confirmed a shattering injury setback and insisted his side are set to play their “best rugby” over the next few weeks.

Rhinos go into Friday’s final game of the regular campaign, at home to Hull FC, sitting second in Betfred Super League following last Saturday’s 40-8 hammering by new leaders Wigan Warriors. Arthur confirmed it’s unlikely full-back Lachie Miller will play again this year after he was hurt in that game, but stressed Leeds can shock title favourites Wigan if they meet in the Grand Final.

Arthur’s side are set to finish second in the table, securing a bye through the first week of play-offs and a home semi-final against the highest-ranked winners from round one. Wigan will be at home to the lowest-placed survivors.

Speaking at Rhinos’ player of the year awards night, Arthur admitted he and his players were “very disappointed in the performance,” last weekend, but he vowed “We’re not going to let those 80 minutes define us.”

It's 'likely' Leeds Rhinos full-back Lachie Miller won't play again this season, his coach Brad Arthur says. Picture by Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — It's 'likely' Leeds Rhinos full-back Lachie Miller won't play again this season, his coach Brad Arthur says. Picture by Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com.

He said: “Our season is certainly not over - I feel strongly it’s only getting started. We have to learn from that experience the other night; a few things went against us and we didn’t respond the best way possible. Maybe that falls on my shoulders a little bit, but we’ll be better for the occasion.”

Rhinos led the table for much of the season until being overhauled by Wigan last weekend. Arthur emphasised: “We’ve been consistent all year and we need to stay there. If you have a look at how we’ve won, we’ve won big, we’ve won from behind, we’ve won tight games and we’ve learned how to win all different ways.”

And he added: “I think we’ll see the best of the team in the next couple of weeks. We probably haven’t seen the best of this squad and our best performance is going to be better than Wigan’s best performance.”

Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur. Picture by Steve Riding.

Arthur revealed Miller will be missing “likely for the rest of the season” because of the hamstring damage he suffered against Wigan. Hooker Danny Levi is in a similar situation with a neck injury, but Rhinos will otherwise be going “full-strength and full throttle” into Friday’s match, the coach said.

“The support we’ve had at home has been tremendous and it does make a difference,” he went on. “I know it didn’t for us on the weekend, but I know the boys will be hurting from that and they’ll repay our loyal fans and members the next time we play here, which is Friday.”