Leeds Rhinos news: Richard Agar provides injury update
Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar has provided a fresh injury update ahead of his side’s clash with Catalans.
Agar’s side look to claim their first win of the new season as they host the Dragons at Headingley on Thursday.
The Rhinos are without David Fusitu’a, Richie Myler, Harry Newman, Tom Holroyd, Sam Walters and Muizz Mustapha through injury.
Myler has been ruled out for up to three months with a groin injury. The 31-year-old left the field in Leeds’ 22-20 defeat to his former club Warrington in the opening round of the season. He posted an update on his social media confirming the injury news.
Newman, 22, is yet to feature for Leeds in 2022.
David Fusitu’a left the field with a head knock against Warrington, and did not feature against Wigan. He has not been named in the squad to face Catalans.
Leeds Rhinos coach provides update
During his pre-match press conference, Agar said: “Myler has had it (his injury) repaired. Initial estimate is around 10-weeks, which could have been worse. The specialist that looked at it said the way he landed, he potentially could have done damage to his ACL.
“Looking at the incident, he feels quite lucky to escape further damages just on the the mechanism he’s gone down. He had his surgery on Monday.
“Fusitu’a is a bit early. Just not quite fully recovered from that tackle he suffered against Warrington. We thought he could have been back this week but it’s the bigger picture for us. We just don’t want to rush him back. He’s just not quite right. We’re going to take some precaution and safety first on him.
“Newman is just a week away. We wanted a little bit more training into him. We’ve had him scanned and he’s fully healed and repaired, but being a four-week injury like it has been, we wanted some more miles in his legs before we make him available.”
Leeds v Catalans: Brad Dwyer boosts Rhinos against depleted Dragons
Brad Dwyer returns
Leeds are boosted with the return of hooker Brad Dwyer.
The 28-year-old has completed his one-match suspension and is a welcomed return for the Leeds coach.
Agar said: “I thought last week, one thing we talked about post-game was that we lacked some line speed. We thought our defence was really passive.
“From our Warrington game, our line speed and our pressure under-numbered was fantastic. But I felt we had a passive defensive line and the ruck speed was too quick on us last week.
“One thing that Brad gives us is sharpness, high energy, line speed, good inside pressure and tonnes of enthusiasm.
“He’s a tough little thing and has the ability to spark us in any situation. We’re looking forward to getting Brad back.”
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