With Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft and Cameron Smith all crossed off the injury list, only two members of Rhinos’ top-20 squad are ruled out this week - and one of those is “close” to being available for selection. Hull have fewer injuries, but are missing more first-choice players. Here’s the latest casualty list for both teams, with potential return dates.
7. Ben Littlewood (Rhinos)
The 20-year-old forward underwent surgery on a hamstring injury early in pre-season. He is back running, but no return date has been given. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
8. Ned McCormack (Rhinos)
The rookie centre hasn’t played since suffering hamstring damage in the act of scoring against Warrington last July. He has had an operation and could be sidelined for the entire season. Photo: Tony Johnson
9. Ligi Sao (Hull FC)
A serious knee injury suffered agianst Wigan Warriors in Super League round two will keep the prop-forward out of action for the rest of the season. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
10. Max Simpson (Rhinos)
The centre had hoped to be back on the field in March, for the first time since an anterior cruciate ligament tear in January, 2023, but sustained a separate hamstring injury in training and there is no confirmed return date. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
11. Tom Nicholson-Watton (Rhinos)
The prop is the newest name on Rhinos' casualty list and his return date, from a stress fracture of a foot, is not known. Photo: Tony Johnson
12. Maika Sivo (Rhinos)
Leeds’ star wing signing suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Ash Handley’s testimonial game against Wigan Warriors on January 26 and won’t play a competitive match this year. Photo: Tony Johnson