Rohan Smith admitted the loss of captain Kruise Leeming hurt Leeds Rhinos following their loss to Huddersfield Giants. Illness prevented Leeming from featuring in the game against his former club, just a week on from his excellent display in victory over Warrington Wolves.
The Rhinos had hoped Leeming would recover but Smith revealed a decision was made in the hours building up to the game, which resulted in some difficulties.
"Kruise has been ill for a few days," Smith said. "He tried to get moving but he was actually a bit worse than yesterday. He wanted to play but we couldn't allow him to play in the state he was in, so he was pulled out earlier today."
