JJB and Donaldson suffer injury blows

Leeds Rhinos and England forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan has been ruled out for 10 to 12 weeks following an operation on his knee on Monday.

Initially it was hoped the keyhole surgery would only rule the forward out for a couple of weeks however the extent of the damage to the knee was worse than first feared.

Jones-Buchanan has had cartilage in his knee repaired and the operation was deemed a success. Commenting on the news Head Coach Brian McDermott said, “We are disappointed for Jamie as we had hoped he would be back in action sooner than this. However, he will approach this with the same positive attitude he approaches all things in life and I am sure he will come back strong in three months to give us a lift at that stage of the season.”

The Rhinos were given a boost at the weekend with hooker Liam Hood returning to action after picking up an ankle injury against Featherstone in pre-season and the other injured pair of Luke Briscoe and Jared Stewart are also nearing full fitness. Lee Smith is continuing to recover from the rib injury he suffered at Wigan.

Meanwhile Bradford Bulls Back Row Forward James Donaldson faces six months on the sidelines after a visit to a Specialist revealed the player had ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

Donaldson sustained the injury in the game at Castleford last week and his worst fears have been confirmed.  Donaldson suffered a similar injury to his other knee in 2010, missing six months and was beginning to show the form that had seen him gain a regular place in the side at only 17 years old.  He faces surgery later this week.

Bulls Football Manager Stuart Duffy said today:

“It’s a big blow for James and everyone at the club is disappointed for him.  However he has shown the tenacity to overcome this kind of injury before and we have no doubt he has the determination to do so again.  He will be given every encouragement and assistance by the club during his lay off.”