Leeds Rhinos' play-off hopes have been dealt a significant blow with the news Kruise Leeming could be sidelined for the next three months. Leeming has suffered a stress fracture to his foot, with Rohan Smith confirming he will be out for at least six weeks, but up to 12.
"Kruise has undergone some further testing and consultation - he has a stress fracture in his foot," Smith said. "That's a significant period of time, that's six to 12 weeks I'd imagine. It was always a possibility based on the soreness of his foot a couple of weeks ago.
"It's really disappointing for him. He's had some big moments and performances and his aim will be to be back for the last couple of rounds. If it all possible. There's no absolute timeline there, he's two weeks into a recovery now."
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The loss of Leeming is another setback for a Rhinos squad riddled with injury and suspension issues. But the hooker's absence is arguably the biggest yet given how he has perhaps been Leeds' standout player in 2022. It also deals his own personal hopes of a place in the World Cup a major blow.
There is good news elsewhere, with Liam Sutcliffe and Zak Hardaker fit to return for Thursday night's game with Wigan Warriors. Both missed the defeat in Toulouse on Saturday, with Sutcliffe a late withdrawal in the minutes leading up to kick-off.
Harry Newman is also set to return from suspension, and Smith commented: "He's had his eyes on this prize, the game on Thursday, for quite some time now. Harry has been chomping at the bit to get out there."
Youngster Max Simpson is also not fit to return, as he battles a knee injury.
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