Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith has put rumours to bed regarding halfback Aidan Sezer's availability for Saturday's Betfred Super League Grand Final.
Sezer left the field early during Leeds' semi-final victory over Wigan Warriors after former Canberra Raiders teammate John Bateman was sent off for a late challenge. Over the past 48 hours, rumours have been circulating about whether Sezer would be cleared to play against current champions St Helens. However, Smith has now confirmed he will be without the playmaker at Old Trafford on Saturday and also provided an in-depth injury update as he tries to end the three-peat champions' domination.
"I haven't gone into the details with the doctor about Aidan too much," said Smith. "He's not available for the final, and that's down to the symptoms, it's a shame, but he's not able to play. Everyone else who can be is available for selection. Aidan is shattered by the news. He felt good post-game without any symptoms, so that's a positive, but yeah, he's disappointed to be missing out, but such is the protocol for player welfare. Ash Handley has done some running, but he is unlikely.
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"Morgan Gannon won't be selected as well, he has not undergone all the protocols, and he's such a young player coming off a significant injury. We made the decision as a club not to rush him back, and it's his second head knock of the year. We are playing the long game with Morgan, and he's only 18. It will be difficult to leave anyone out. We have around 21 players fit, but whoever makes way on Saturday will understand"
The Rhinos boss also was quick to praise second-rower Rhyse Martin, who is available once again after serving a controversial two-match ban that he picked up during the win over Castleford Tigers, as Smith explained how the experienced Papua New Guinea star has still played a key role in recent weeks.
"Rhyse is the happiest bloke in the side at the moment. It was tough to see him miss the two games, but he helped us get through it and took the ban in his stride. He was great with the players and staff and was very much a part of the team. He was unloading the bus and helping with the warm-up and he was great with the lads who played."
Smith finished by reacting to the news Harry Newman has recently been ruled out of the Grand Final and, subsequently, this year's World Cup, but the Leeds coach believes it now gives Newman and the club a chance to sort this injury out once and for all and be bigger and better in 2023.
"Harry has had a frustrating year. He's taken the news pretty well, and now the latest injury gives us four or five months gives a chance to look into it in detail. I don't know the turnaround time, but we don't play another league game until February, so we've got a lot of time. He will have full pre-season weather that means he starts the season or not. I'm a massive believer that well-tuned athletes don't need to be flogged in pre-season to have a good year.
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