Leeds suffer setback with star half-back sidelined through injury

Leeds look set to play the rest of their Super League Round 13 clash against St Helens without star half-back Aidan Sezer.

The Australian half-back was forced from the action at Headingley Stadium early on through injury, replaced by James Donaldson.

It is another blow for Rohan Smith, who is already without Blake Austin due to a calf injury. 

Reporting on Sky Sports, Jon Wells says that 31-year-old Sezer is unlikely to return to the field due to a groin injury.  

Ahead of the mouth-watering rematch with the reigning champions, Sezer had made 10 Super League appearances so far in 2023, scoring twice.

He was previously sidelined due to a deep dead leg suffered in the defeat against Leigh earlier this month at the Leigh Sports Village.

The Rhinos currently lead 12-4 at home, with tries from the returning Ash Handley and loose forward Cameron Smith.

Sam Walters has also left the field for a head injury assessment, while Sam Lisone will be sidelined for up to a month due to a calf injury.

Harry Newman has also been assisted from the field with a leg injury just before half-time.

Rohan Smith’s halves dilemma

Austin, 32, was a late withdrawal ahead of the side’s Challenge Cup sixth round tie with Wigan, replaced by Morgan Gannon in the halves for the home fixture.

Forward Gannon was once again named in the halves ahead of the clash against St Helens alongside Sezer.

Head coach Smith confirmed that Austin is a few weeks away from making his return.

Youngster Jack Sinfield will also undergo his exams over the next couple of weeks and the club will take a cautious approach with the rising prospect, Smith previously confirmed.

The 18-year-old made his first appearance of the season against Salford at the beginning of May, but failed his head injury assessment late on in the Round 11 clash.

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