Ward unlikely to play in Grand Final

Leeds forward Stevie Ward is unlikely to play in Saturday’s Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, despite being named in the Rhinos 19-man squad.

Ward, 23, dislocated his shoulder in last Friday’s semi-final win over Hull.

He spent Friday night in hospital before going into theatre on Saturday and has continued to have tests with Leeds’ medical team this week.

Brian McDermott told the club’s official website: “Stevie was in a great deal of pain at the start of the week and is still unlikely to feature at Old Trafford however we will give him as long as possible to prove his fitness. 

“They were unable to relocate his shoulder on Friday night because of the extent of the injury. 

“Stevie was side lined during the 2012 Grand Final and of course missed out in 2015 because of  injury so we want to give him time to try and stake his claim for Saturday.”

Ward played off the bench in the 26-18 Grand Final victory over Warrington in 2012.