David Fusitu'a is set for around three months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery. The Leeds Rhinos winger was helped from the field during the club's defeat to Hull KR last month and scans showed the injury was worse than initially thought.
Initially, it was hoped that Fusitu'a would miss six to eight weeks of action. However, scans showed more severe damage that required an operation, which has extended his time on the sidelines as a result. He is expected to return within a ten to twelve-week timeframe.
It's a cruel blow for Fusitu'a, whose career has been riddled with injuries in recent years. He managed just 12 appearances in his final two seasons in the NRL and was selected for less than half of Leeds' games last season due to various injuries.
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"He's disappointed but he also understands that's what can happen in the game," Rohan Smith said. "He'll use this time to reboot and rebuild and come back for the back end of the season and bring us some fresh enthusiasm as the season becomes a little more tired. It might be a great attribute for us."
The Rhinos have no other fresh injuries other than Derrell Olpherts, who is nursing calf injury.
"Derrell's had a calf injury, he got it very early in the game against Hull KR. He's been injured, that's why he's not made the last two squads."
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