Kruise Leeming will make his return to action on Wednesday evening, and Rohan Smith insists the Leeds Rhinos skipper is set to return better than ever. Leeming, one of the Rhinos' standout players in 2022, has been sidelined for the last few weeks after suffering a stress fracture in his foot.
But Leeming has been cleared to return against Huddersfield, with Smith confirming that he will play some part in the fixture. The Rhinos head coach also believes that after a period working closely with the club's coaching staff, Leeds fans could be set to see an improved version of a player who many felt was already making a strong case for England selection.
"Kruise has really used this time to focus on his own game," Smith said. "He was injured yes, but he's really got himself around how the coaches have been thinking and spending some time with us.
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"He's grown in this period and I'm looking forward to him playing a part in the game tomorrow. He's in very good condition, so we'll see how the game goes, but he's definitely going to be playing."
Smith continued: "It's given him a chance to spend more time with me and the staff and learn about the direction we're trying to take the team and he can see it through a different lens now. He's had a good impact on the younger payers and had chance to spend time with the guys in the return to play group.
"He's had a good impact on the group. He's been brought up in a way where he knows right from wrong and he's dedicated to his craft. He's utilised the opportunity to have a mini pre-season and get himself charged up."
David Fusitu'a and Tom Briscoe are also in contention to feature on Wednesday, with the pair going through final checks over the next 24 hours. Cameron Smith is missing for tomorrow's game, but Smith calmed any fears of the in-form forward being ruled out for a prolonged period.
"I'd imagine he might be back for the next game against Catalans," Smith said. "We'll just see how things settle. It's not a significant long-term situation. It's just a bit of wear and tear."
Liam Tindall could also play again this season too, after scans on the thumb injury suffered against Warrington have come back better than initially expected.
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