Zak Hardaker given all clear for training return as Leeds issue injury update
Photo: Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos/SWpix
In a full update on all their injured players, Leeds have confirmed that Zak Hardaker has been given the green light by the specialists to resume training.
The Rhinos say Hardaker ‘hopes to be available for selection in the near future’.
The 30-year-old suffered a suspected seizure after his first session with the Rhinos whilst on a walk with his young son. The Rhinos stood down Zak Hardaker for medical reasons. He returned to training with the Rhinos last Thursday.
Double injury blow for Leeds
Leeds will be without winger Tom Briscoe for up to three months. He has had surgery on a high ankle sprain he suffered in their win over Toulouse in Round 10.
Off-season recruit Aidan Sezer is likely to return to first team training within the next month as he continues his rehabilitation on his groin injury.
Jack Walker and Harry Newman target June comebacks
Full-back Jack Walker and centre Harry Newman will return to full team training in June. They are both dealing with lower limb injuries but the Rhinos say the pair are progressing well.
Those nearing return
The Rhinos will be boosted by the return of six players in the not too distant future. Liam Sutcliffe (knee), Alex Mellor (sternum), Corey Johnson (knee), Richie Myler (groin), David Fusitu’a (knee) and Tom Holroyd (ankle) have completed their rehabilitation periods. The six players will return to first team training with a view to being available for selection.
New coach arrives at Headingley
Leeds‘ new head coach Rohan Smith arrived in England last week and will coach his new club in Sunday’s trip to Salford.
Speaking after his first training session with the Rhinos on Thursday, Smith said: “It was a good session. It was good to meet everybody today and get the ball rolling. They’ve come in fresh and excited after a few days off over the weekend.
“There’s a lot of familiar faces from TV and a bunch of guys that I’ve coached across the years at a bunch of different places.
“It’s good timing of the back of a challenging period with Easter fixtures. It’s good timing for a fresh start.”
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