Leeds boss delivers triple injury horror blow including Harry Newman timeframe

Leeds head coach Rohan Smith has confirmed long-term injury blows to trio Harry Newman, Aidan Sezer and Morgan Gannon following the side’s dramatic golden point extra time defeat to St Helens.

Starting halves Sezer and Gannon were forced from the action through respective injuries at Headingley Stadium last Friday in the 13-12 defeat.

Star centre Newman was shortly after assisted from the field in agony, with Smith confirming another hamstring blow for the 23-year-old.

The youngster has suffered two serious hamstring injuries and a leg break already in his career, and was limited to just seven appearances last season and missed out on a possible place in Shaun Wane’s England squad for the World Cup on home soil.

Smith confirms Harry Newman blow

Providing an injury update, Smith commented: “Aidan Sezer has a hamstring injury, he’ll be five-to-six weeks.

“Morgan Gannon has an ankle injury and he’s having surgery tomorrow. That’s an eight-to-10 week type injury.

“Harry Newman has got a sort of 10-12 week hamstring injury.

“It is what it is. It’s a combat sport. All three of those injuries were players in real awkward positions that you can’t practise or account for and people are competing in the contact.

“It’s the nature of our sport. We’ve got a few others who are on their way back this week and in the coming weeks. But what’s why you have a squad, to deal with situations like this.”

Meanwhile, Zane Tetevano will be sidelined indefinitely due to personal health issues. Smith continued: “Zane had a health concern a week or two ago. 

“We’re awaiting results from a specialist, and some further advice there. 

“It’s one of those private matter type situations that one. He will be out indefinitely until we provide an update there.”

Blake Austin included in Leeds squad

In a surprise inclusion, Australian playmaker Blake Austin could make an early return from an ankle injury to feature against Castleford at this year’s Magic Weekend in Newcastle.

The 32-year-old has missed the last two games but has been included in Smith’s 21-man squad for Saturday’s final fixture at St James’ Park. 

“He is a chance,” Smith confirmed. 

“He’s a quick healer. I didn’t think he was going to be a chance but he’s run well earlier in the week and he’s completed a training today. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”

Nene Macdonald has also been included in the 21-man squad and is expected to be OK for the clash against Andy Last’s Tigers, with a 6pm kick-off on the Saturday.

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