Leeds Rhinos injury news: Rohan Smith provides health update on James Bentley following concussion

Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith has provided an update on James Bentley, saying the club will take every precaution to ensure the forward makes a full recovery.

The Ireland international left the field on a stretcher in their 21-12 defeat at Huddersfield on Sunday after a a heavy collision.

The game was stopped for around 10 minutes whilst Bentley was treated on the pitch.

Speaking in his weekly press conference, Smith says Bentley is in good spirits now but the club are in no rush to get him back out on the field as they take every precaution with regards to his concussion.

“A bit dusty as you’d expect from a decent concussion,” Smith said when asked about how Bentley is doing.

“Initially we were just hopeful there was nothing permanent or no neck or spinal damage there but everything has been cleared in that regard, he’s just resting.

“He’s been around the players the last couple of days but on light duties.

“He’ll have to see a consultant given he’s had two this year and that process will be a gradual one.

“We’re a club that certainly takes all precautions there, almost all of our return to play processes are longer than the ones that are the 11-day mandatory one, they are usually longer, allowing the player more time to recover and more practice before going back out there.

“We’ll certainly be taking all the precautions with James and hopefully he’s back in the next couple of weeks, but there’ll be no rush there.”

Leeds Rhinos to boosted by returning players for Hull clash

Smith says winger David Fusitu’a and back-rower James McDonnell are in contention to return for Saturday’s trip to Hull FC.

He said: “Fus has got a little bit of work to do. He had a decent back spasm last week but he returned to training today so he’s likely to be back. James McDonnell should be fine as well.”

Papua New Guinea international Nene Macdonald is currently in Australia for his child’s birth, with Smith saying: “Still waiting to get the official update there but we’ll check how he is. He’s due back to play so that’ll be the intention at this point.”

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