Thursday 19 June 2014 16:07, UK
Leeds Rhinos utility forward Chris Clarkson is hopeful he will be fit for Sunday’s Super League clash against Widnes Vikings.
The 24-yeard-old featured in last Thursday’s defeat to Huddersfield Giants, although he has spent this week in a boot to help nurse an Achilles injury.
Leeds remain second in the table despite a run of just one league win from four games and Clarkson admits their form has slumped over the past month.
Widnes are in good form this year, so it’s not going to be easy. I don’t think there’s such a thing as an easy game in Super League these days. We’ll have to dig deep and defend well.
“I’ve had a little niggle in my Achilles so the boot’s just precautionary to make it a little bit better,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m not quite sure what it is just yet, but it’s not too bad.”
When asked if he could be forced to miss Sunday’s clash against Widnes, Clarkson replied: “I don’t think so. “We’ll see how we go this week, but I should be alright to play on Sunday, if selected anyway.”
“After the Magic Weekend things haven’t been the greatest for us,” he continued. “Our form has dipped over the last month or so.
“Against Huddersfield we only just got beat. We were pleased with some of the things we did. We spoke about going into that game and just playing well and hopefully we can take some of that into Sunday’s game.
“Widnes are in good form this year, so it’s not going to be easy. I don’t think there’s such a thing as an easy game in Super League these days. We’ll have to dig deep and defend well.”
Clarkson has filled in for head coach Brian McDermott all over this season and the Leeds-born Rhino is happy playing anywhere for the Headingley Carnegie club.
“It’s been different for me this year. I’ve played a bit of hooker, bit of prop. I’ve been playing all sorts,” he concluded.
“I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve got a bit of form together, played the last 10 games or so I’m quite happy with how I’m going this year.”
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