Achurch out for eight weeks

Leeds forward Mitch Achurch will be out of action for up to eight weeks following consultation with a knee specialist.

Achurch, 24, suffered a dislocated kneecap and tore ligaments in a section of his quad muscle during the defeat to Warrington last Friday.

Initially the former Penrith man feared his debut season in Super League had come to a premature end, but the specialist has told him he will not need surgery and could return before the end of the regular season.

Commenting on the injury, Rhinos physiotherapist Andy Barker said, “The specialist is happy to manage Mitch’s injury conservatively at this stage. He will be in a brace for three weeks followed by a period of approximately five weeks of rehabilitation.”

The Leeds medical staff will continue to monitor forward Brad Singleton after he suffered a leg injury in the same game. Barker added, “Brad’s injury has settled down well throughout the week and we will monitor him in the early part of next week ahead of the Wakefield game.

“He has a chance of being available for that game but that will depend on whether his recovery continues at the same rate.”

Head Coach Brian McDermott commented, “Whilst eight weeks is a long lay off for Mitch it is good news that he will be back before the end of the season, especially for him personally as he has been showing his best form for us in recent weeks.

“The players will have benefited from some down time this week and I am expecting everyone to be fresh and ready to go next week against Wakefield.”