Injury blow for Rhino Clarkson

Leeds’ young player of the year Chris Clarkson faces a race to be fit for the new season after picking up a hand injury.

Clarkson, 20, played in the Challenge Cup final during a successful debut season for the club, but requires an operation on a thumb fracture.

Head Coach Brian McDermott said: “It is disappointing for Chris as he was training well in pre-season. However, if there is ever a good time to suffer an injury like this it is now and we are confident Chris will be back for the start of the season.”

The injury is likely to keep the back-rower out for up to six weeks, ruling him out of the pre-season friendly against Wakefield on Boxing Day.

Clarkson added: “I took the knock in training and unfortunately it is going to need an operation. Hopefully I can continue most of my fitness work and I won’t miss out on too much in pre-season.”

Leeds open their season against Bradford in the Magic Weekend at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on February 12-13th.