Leeds winger David Fusitu’a suffers injury setback

Leeds coach Rohan Smith has confirmed that the ankle injury to winger David Fusitu’a is worse than the Rhinos initially anticipated.

Fusitu’a limped off the field in their defeat at Hull KR a fortnight ago with an ankle injury.

The Tonga international underwent surgery last week, but is expected to be out of action for up to three months.

Smith said: “Fus actually had surgery last Tuesday or Wednesday I think it was. That’ll be a 10 to 12-week type injury rather than a six to eight which we thought was the initial prognosis.

“He’s disappointed but he also understands that’s what can happen in the game so he’s going to use this period to reboot and rebuild; and come back for the back end of the season and bring us some energy and enthusiasm.

“As the competition gets a little more tired, it might be a great attribute to us.”

Down on wingers with David Fusitu’a and Derrell Olpherts sidelined

Fusitu’a isn’t the only winger sidelined for the Rhinos, with off-season recruitment Derrell Olpherts currently nursing a calf injury he sustained in their defeat at Hull KR a fortnight ago.

Smith said: “Derrell’s had a calf injury.

“He actually got a calf injury very early in the game against Hull KR so he’s been injured, that’s why he hasn’t made the last two squads.”

Morgan Gannon boost

There is good news on the injury front for Smith’s side though. Highly-rated prospect Morgan Gannon is expected to feature for the Rhinos reserves this weekend.

“Morgan Gannon will play some game time in the reserves on Friday,” confirmed Smith.

“We’ll see what sort of team we settle on tomorrow but logistically it is good for us having a Friday night game at the same venue, but we’ll see what we settle on tomorrow from that 21 and if anyone else needs a bit of extra game time.”

Leeds take on Hull FC at Headingley in Round Nine of Super League on Friday night, 8pm kick-off.

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