Casualty Ward: How Leeds and St Helens shape up ahead of Grand Final
Keep up to date with the latest injury news in Casualty Ward, this week looking at how both Leeds and St Helens shape up ahead of Saturday’s Grand Final.
St Helens
St Helens did not pick up any fresh injuries during their semi-final victory over Salford Red Devils on Saturday. The side were without both Alex Walmsley and Dan Norman due to injuries, both reported ahead of the game.
Will Hopoate missed the 19-12 victory, but Kristian Woolf revealed the Tonga international could return for the Grand Final.
“Will Hopoate has got a chance,” Woolf said during his post-match press conference.
“The thing we’ve got to weigh up is, he’s not played a lot of footy. We need him to play 80 minutes and if he does that he’ll have a big impact on the game.”
Meanwhile, St Helens welcomed back both Sione Mata’utia and Mark Percival for the clash for a double major boost. The pair played centre and winger respectively in the win at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Hooker Joey Lussick left the field with a head knock towards the end of the tie. However, Love Rugby League can confirm that the 26-year-old passed his head test and will be available for Saturday.
Leeds Rhinos
Rohan Smith has suffered several blows ahead of the final at Old Trafford. Half-back Aidan Sezer has been ruled out due to suffering concussion in Friday’s 20-8 semi-final win at Wigan.
“Aidan won’t be available this week,” head coach Smith said. “I had a conversation with our doctor yesterday who has been in conversation with Super League’s chief medical officer.
“I believe it’s the category one symptoms is the determining factor about being able to return to play, whether that be in the game or the following week. He will not be available.”
Forward Morgan Gannon will also not be available for selection for the big dance. He’s not passed all the return to play protocols yet.
Smith says it is unlikely that wingers Ash Handley and David Fusitu’a will be back in time for the Grand Final.
Meanwhile, centre Harry Newman will play no further part in 2022, meaning he will miss the upcoming World Cup.
Our Casualty Ward feature is out every Monday with the latest injury news.
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