Super League: Leeds Rhinos boss hoping to have key men back for Hull KR clash

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott is hoping to have some key personnel available for the visit of Hull KR in Friday’s Super League clash.

The Rhinos slumped to a surprise 16-14 defeat to Wakefield Wildcats on Friday, although the Headingley club were without the likes of Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield and Zak Hardaker among others.

Burrow has been sidelined since Leeds’ Tetley’s Challenge Cup win over St Helens with a broken collarbone, although he could make a timely return against the Robins.

We pulled him out before the warm-up. He wanted to have a go at playing, but I’m not sure that that would have been the smartest thing.

Experienced forwards Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Kylie Leuluai are also in contention to return while captain Kevin Sinfield will be assessed following a back complaint.

“We have a chance of getting Rob Burrow back this week,” McDermott told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“Also Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Kylie Leuluai (both calf injuries). Zak Hardaker’s available (after suspension) the week after.

“Kevin Sinfield (back) and Chris Clarkson (Achilles) have a chance for Friday, but Carl Ablett (shoulder) is probably going to be two more weeks.”

Long-term approach

Sinfield sat out Leeds’ late win over Catalan Dragons and had been set to feature against Wakefield before being withdrawn in the warm-up.

With the business end of the season yet to come McDermott is taking the long-term approach and will not rush him back even though he could solider on if needs be,

“He wasn’t in great shape all week. He trained with us on Thursday, but right at the back end he tweaked his back again,” he continued.

“He woke up a bit better on Friday, so it was a bit of a call we made – I made that. We have still got a fair way to go this year. Kev put his hand up to play and he could have battled through, but he clearly wouldn’t have been right.

“We pulled him out before the warm-up. He wanted to have a go at playing, but I’m not sure that that would have been the smartest thing.

“It’s the tweaks and twists and strains that linger. There is some worry there, it’s on bone, but I’m sure he will be right this week.

“If he isn’t, we won’t play him again. We are talking about Challenge Cup finals and semi-finals and play-offs and we want to have Kev ready and fit and in a good state before we get to that stage.”