Leeds Rhinos winger Tom Briscoe facing three-month injury lay-off
Thursday 26 March 2015 15:07, UK
Leeds Rhinos winger Tom Briscoe will be sidelined for around three months with a shoulder injury that requires surgery.
The 25-year-old England international, who missed just two matches in his first season with the Rhinos in 2014 after moving from Hull, will undergo surgery on Saturday after scans revealed the full extent of an injury he has been carrying for a few weeks.
"There's a fair bit of damage in there," said Rhinos coach Brian McDermott. "He's been good for us so we'll miss him but it gives an opportunity for Ash Handley to get some more game time.
"He did okay against Wigan. The acid test for Ash will come in the coming weeks to maintain that level."
Handley, 19, made only his second Super League appearance and scored his first try in Leeds' 26-14 win over Wigan last Friday and keeps his spot for the trip to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons on Saturday.
Liam Sutcliffe will continue to deputise for skipper Kevin Sinfield, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Another England international, Zak Hardaker, keeps his place pending the outcome of an investigation into an assault he committed on a student in Leeds in February.
"At some stage the club will make an announcement," McDermott said. "I think it's coming to its conclusion but we're still on with it."
Hardaker was dropped when the incident came to light earlier this month but recalled for the Wigan game and McDermott insists he is right to select the player, who was released by police without charge after paying compensation and issuing an apology to his victim.
"Zak gets paid to do a job," McDermott added. "I know there is a sentiment from people out there who say 'why is he still playing?' but to stand Zak down doesn't do him any good.
"If a bricklayer makes an error at work, you don't give him time off. Why would we give Zak Hardaker the time off to live a decent lifestyle where he can do what he wants?
"He has to do a job for us. He is paid to do that job and he will go out and do it. I don't feel that's covering anything up."
