Leeds boss concedes to “significant injuries” with further reviews required

Josh McAllister
Rohan Smith Leeds Rhinos Mickael Goudemand News Images

Photo: Craig Thomas/News Images

Leeds boss Rohan Smith says the players who sustained injuries during their dramatic 13-12 extra time golden point defeat to St Helens will need further assessments.

However, the Australian coach expects them to be “not good news”.

The Rhinos lost key half-back Aidan Sezer early on in the first half at Headingley Stadium, with Blake Austin already currently sidelined due to a calf injury.

Morgan Gannon, named in the halves again for Leeds, was forced from the field shortly after after suffering an ankle injury.

However, the worst blow came to star centre Harry Newman, who was seen in agony as he was helped from the field just beyond the half hour back.

Jon Wells reported a suspected hamstring injury during the coverage on Sky Sports, with 23-year-old Newman limited to just seven appearances in 2022 with the same issue.

The Leeds star also missed out on a potential place in Shaun Wane’s England squad, and later made his return in Round Four against Wakefield of the 2023 Super League campaign.

“They will be significant injuries,” said Smith. 

“You know when players get replaced in the manner that they did, you know they’re not returning to the game.

“They’ll get reviewed over the weekend and we’ll find out the outcomes of those, but let’s not take away from the blokes that were out there and did what they did.”

Rohan Smith: I’m privileged to be part of it

Smith praised his players’ fighting spirit, having led for much of the game despite their adversity.

Ash Handley opened the scoring inside five minutes, before opposition winger Tommy Makinson hit back, but could not convert his own try.

Cameron Smith later extended Leeds’ advantage, with Rhyse Martin converting both.

In the second half, Curtis Sironen scored St Helens’ second, before Makinson levelled the scores at 12-12 on 68 minutes to send the game into extra time.

It was Lewis Dodd who clinched the winner on his third attempt with just minutes left of the extended period, while James McDonnell was sent off for punching in regular time and Sione Mata’utia was sent to the sin-bin for a dangerous tackle.

“We’ve been involved in a lot of memorable games last year and this year, and both our games against St Helens have set the bar for performance in this competition,” added Smith.

“I’m privileged to be part of it and I think both teams can go home feeling like they’ve done good for the sport.

“It’s bitter-sweet. 

“We can’t feel like losers playing like that, but it’s heartbreaking for the players to go home without the two points. 

“But they’ve shown each other what they’re capable of once their backs are against the wall.”

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