Hanley provides injury update on Matt Prior after All Stars blow

Leeds will be monitoring the fitness of Matt Prior following his injury against England for the Combined Nations All Stars.

All Stars head coach Ellery Hanley confirmed the injury post-match after the Leeds forward was brought off 10 minutes into the clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

England went on to win the fixture 18-4 with tries from Jake Wardle, George Williams and John Bateman.

Sky Sports reporter Jenna Brooks confirmed a rib injury to Prior during the game, but said he would he be ready to return in the second half if required.

However, boss Hanley was conscious to bring him back on with the Super League season just 15 fixtures into its 27 rounds.  

Hanley confirms Matt Prior injury

“We don’t know the full extent of Matt Prior. In all honesty, he came off with quite a bad sternum injury. 

“One of the things I said to all the players, when they came in on Tuesday, and in our first classroom meeting, I understood what they’ve done prior to coming to this game. I know what they’ve gone through in terms of all the amount of games they have played, and also I know what’s coming up afterwards. 

“So I was quite conscious of the fact that I don’t want to wreck Matt Prior coming back onto the field. When I know that he’s had a terrible sternum injury, because I know myself personally how hard they are to get rid of. 

“He was playing brilliant for us. Matt was playing brilliant for us. He was a stalwart for us.

“I thought he handled his position well at lock and he did everything that I’d asked of him. But I think that a player’s welfare and health is more important than trying to win a game.”

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