Leeds dealt major James McDonnell blow as early injury prognosis revealed

Leeds Rhinos may be without James McDonnell for three of their final four Super League fixtures – including their mouthwatering showdown with Wigan Warriors in the penultimate round of the season.

McDonnell was a notable absentee during Leeds’ defeat to Leigh Leopards on Thursday evening, which leaves the prospect of them being level on points with the Warriors at the top by the end of this weekend a distinct possibility.

McDonnell has been one of Leeds’ standout performers both with and without the ball in 2026, and his absence was keenly felt at AMT Headingley on Thursday.

And he will be missing for a prolonged period too, it seems.

James McDonnell absence outlined

Speaking after Leeds’ loss on Thursday night, Arthur confirmed McDonnell had a pectoral injury – with a possible return date now their game against Hull FC in the final round of the regular season.

“He’s got a small strain in his pec,” Arthur said.

“It was the very last tackle against Wakefield last week. He’s looking at a couple of weeks.. the likelihood of him returning is maybe the Hull game at the end.”

Jack Bird will also be missing for next weekend’s trip to York Knights after failing a HIA in the first half at Headingley on Thursday evening, leaving Arthur with another reshuffle in the outside backs.

Arthur debriefs Leigh loss

Arthur admitted he could not fault Leeds’ effort and desire in the defeat to the Leopards – but pointed to their attacking fluency, as well as the defensive efforts of the visitors, as crucial.

“Credit to Leigh, to start with,” he said. “They scrambled really well and were very brave. We dominated most of the stats but the one stat we didn’t dominate was the scoreboard. Our effort was good but we just got a bit of detail wrong. They owned the big moments.

“Attacking the try-line, we looked to go a bit lateral and the space was right in front of us. They scrambled really hard and kept turning up so we’ll learn from that.”

Leeds now have a lengthy ten-day turnaround before their next game – but by the time they take to the field again, they may well be off the top of the table given how Wigan have two fixtures between now and then.