Harry Newman says he is 'touch and go' to be fit for the start of the new Super League season.
The centre left the field with a hamstring injury during Leeds Rhinos' victory against Hull FC on Sunday afternoon, with assistant coach Sean Long subsequently revealing Newman would be sent for a scan to determine the severity of the injury.
And Newman has now admitted there is a strain in the muscle which could hamper his chances of being fit for the game with Warrington Wolves on Saturday week.
"I've got a slight hamstring strain," Newman told Rugby League Live.
"I'm disappointed after Sunday because I thought I'd started that game well. I'll be touch and go for Round One. But I've got a great team around me who will get me back as fast as possible."
It is a blow for the Rhinos and for Newman, who made his return from a serious leg break last year and is tipped to be a strong contender to make England's World Cup squad later this year.
But the centre stressed even if he is not fit for the opening round of the 2022 season, he will not be on the sidelines for too long.
"It'll be one of those which is week by week now," Newman said. "You can't rush it.
"But we'll do everything e can to get me out there as fast as possible. It shouldn't take too long after what's been a great pre-season for me."
Newman also reiterated his belief that the Rhinos are capable of competing for silverware in 2022.
He said: "We've signed some real top quality players and that's only going to add to what we have. We managed to reach the semi-finals last year with half a team, we've built well into pre-season and we need to get a good start. It's a really exciting year ahead."
