Bailey and Delaney expected to be fit for Super League opener

Correspondent

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott has reported that he expects both Ryan Bailey and Brett Delaney to be fit in time for the start of the 2014 Super League season which gets underway next month.

The pair picked up injury scares last week during pre-season for the Rhinos but they are not thought to be serious enough to keep them out long-term. 

Bailey had to miss Leeds’ Boxing Day draw with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats due to an Achilles problem. The prop was rested by McDermott as he did not want to rush the player back too soon.

Delaney, on the other hand, did feature for the Rhinos last week in the tie against the Wildcats but had to come off in the second half of that game with a knock to his ribs. He just needs a week’s rest before he is fully fit once again.

The Australian has been at the club since 2010 when he signed from Gold Coast Titans. This will be his fourth straight season in the Super League.

McDermott’s squad returned for training yesterday following their Christmas break as they prepare for the new season ahead.

They open up their Super League campaign on the road to Hull KR on February 16, while their first home tie is against Warrington the following weekend. They will be looking to improve on their third placed finish last year when they ended with 37 points, five behind shield winners Huddersfield Giants.

Betfair have Leeds in at fourth best in the outright market for the Grand Final, behind Warrington, Wigan and St Helens.

October was only the second time in seven years that the Rhinos had not contested a final at Old Trafford. It was won by Wigan who defeated Warrington 30-16.