Mixed News For Rhinos
Leeds Rhino’s head coach Brian McDermott has been given mixed news regarding three of his injured players ahead of the new Super League season. As ever, Leeds will be backed by a number of Betfair fans, but the Rhinos will face another tough season, with the likes of Wigan, St Helens, Huddersfield and Warrington all looking strong ahead of the new campaign.
While Ryan Bailey and Brett Delaney are both expected to be fit in time for the Rhinos season opening clash at Hull KR, Ian Kirke looks set be forced to undergo an operation to fix a long-standing rib problem.
Bailey was forced to miss Leeds’ Boxing Day friendly draw against Wakefield Wildcats with an Achilles problem while Australian forward Brett Delaney was forced from the field with a chest problem. McDermott has confirmed that both players are now expected to be back in contention for the trip to East Yorkshire for the club’s first game of the new season.
“Bails will be good. Because of the injury he had last year he was very keen to play on Boxing Day and it was a shame he couldn’t make it. (Delaney) got some damage to a rib at the top of his chest, so that was very painful to him, but in terms of long-term damage he should be okay.”
Although the news isn’t so positive for Kirke, who now looks set to have a plate fitted for his rib injury.
“He (Kirke) is going to have a plate fitted. He had a rib injury last year and he played with it. He has a crack in his rib and we hoped the joint would have knitted together. It has, but not as well as it could have done.”
After finishing the 2013 Super League season third in the table, Leeds went on to fall at the semi-final stage of the playoffs to end their hopes of defending their title. While the six-time Super League champions are among the favourites to make it to the Grand Final this season, McDermott will know that this year’s Super League could well be the toughest in years.
League Freak
A well known Rugby League writer, League Freak has established a reputation among supporters of the game for his fearless commentary and unmatched insight. With a reach that spans both sides of the globe, League Freak has produced an independent network that allows him to distribute content to his many thousands of followers. He is the owner and main author of LeagueFreak.com
Related articles
Fergo and The Freak Podcast
- Neurophysiologist Dr Alan Pearce Drops By To Talk About The SBS Insight Episode About Concussion And CTE
- The 2019 Rugby League World 9's Preview
- 2019 NRL Grand Final Review And Player Ratings!
- Fergo and The Freak Fan Poll Results And 2019 NRL Grand Final Preview
- 2019 Dally M Medal Awards Review, John Batemans Selfish Act And 2019 NRL Grand Final Preview
- The Endeavour Cup
- Israel Folau Looking To Return To Rugby League With Tonga And Sam Burgess Gets A Slap On The Wrist
- Reviewing The Storms Big Win Over The Eels, Whinging Dinosaurs, Benji Goes Again And More Bad News For St George/Illawarra Dragons Fans
- Rabbitohs Vs Sea Eagles NRL Finals Wrap Up And Naming The Top Five Wingers In Rugby League History
- NRL Finals Week 2 Previews And Shane Flanagan's Indefinite Suspension Overturned
- Sam Burgess, His Criticism Of The NRL Judiciary And Why It Is Anything But A Kangaroo Court
- Brisbane Broncos Out The Night Before Record Breaking Loss, Defending Darius Boyd And Elliott Whiteheads Bloody Gash
- Shane Flanagan's Apology, Swinton Lions Tragedy And The Sydney Daily Telegraph Fan Poll For 2019
- NRL Finals Week 1 Review: Eels Annihilate The Broncos, Sea Eagles End The Sharks, Storm Choke Against Raiders And Bunnies Capitulate To Roosters
- 2019 NRL Finals Preview - Week 1
Loading ...
You must log in to post a comment.