Leeds dealt major injury blow to captain Kruise Leeming

Leeds could be without captain Kruise leeming for the rest of the Super League season after suffering a stress fracture to his foot.

The 26-year-old has been ruled out of action for six to 12 weeks, according to his coach Rohan Smith.

Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday’s match against Wigan, Smith said: “Kruise Leeming has undergone further testing and consultations. He has a stress fracture in his foot so he will be out for a significant period of time, six to 12 weeks I’d imagine.

“We’ve been very cautious with what we’ve done with him. He was still a bit sore so we’ve undergone further testing. We haven’t progressed him because he’s been a bit sore.

“It is disappointing for Kruise, he has had some really big moments and performances this season. Hopefully he is able to be back for the final few rounds, if at all possible.

“At this stage there is no absolute timeline there. He is two weeks into his recovery so he may well be back in time, but those injuries always require further scans and a real cautious approach to progression.”

Rohan Smith provides Leeds injury update

Smith revealed that Australian half-backs Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer are only one or two weeks away from returning to action.

The Rhinos will also be without young centre Max Simpson, who might require surgery on a lateral ligament tear. Young forward Sam Walters has suffered a knee injury, which could be short-term or medium-term, according to Smith.

Leeds host Wigan in a televised clash at Headingley on Thursday night. They will welcome back Zak Hardaker, Liam Sutcliffe, Harry Newman and Muizz Mustapha from the treatment room.

On Tuesday morning, the Rhinos announced the signing of France powerhouse Justin Sangare from Toulouse on a two-year deal from 2023.

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