Jones-Bishop boost for Leeds

James Gordon

Leeds winger Ben Jones-Bishop will make his long-awaited return to action in Monday’s Super League clash at home to Widnes.

Jones-Bishop, 24, was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism just before Christmas and was ruled out for six months, but has now been given the all clear to resume playing.

He scored 23 tries last season, featuring in the World Club Challenge and Super League Grand Final wins, as well as the Challenge Cup final.

He said: “It has been a long time coming because it has been a tough six months however it is good to be at the end of it now and finally getting back in the team. I was cleared at Easter of any health issues but we saw a different specialist who recommended twelve more weeks on the medication, it has been a case of waiting and making sure I am in tip top condition before coming back.

“Easter was the worse point for me. Initially we thought I could be back playing after three months and was preparing to face Warrington at home the week after Easter but when the specialist said it was another twelve weeks before I could play it was shattering, to go from being ready to get back out there and then told ‘no you have to sit out another three months’ was tough to take. 

“Brian McDermott and Jason Davidson were great with me, they allowed me to take some time off and get away for a couple of weeks and my focus since then has been on being right to play Widnes.”

The news comes as a boost for coach Brian McDermott, who has this week seen Brett Delaney and Liam Hood join his ever-growing injury list, which also includes England internationals Danny McGuire and Kallum Watkins.