Leeds Rhinos winger David Fusitu'a is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after learning the extent of his ankle injury. The New Zealander limped off during the club's defeat to Hull Kingston Rovers and Rohan Smith has confirmed he is set to miss six to eight weeks of action.
It's a blow for the Rhinos, who are now facing the prospect of being without three of their senior outside backs for the game against Huddersfield Giants on Sunday. Ash Handley has remained to training but is still a doubt, while Nene Macdonald has a calf injury that saw him miss last week's defeat. Smith confirmed the club were still assessing his injury.
But it's a cruel setback for Fusitu'a, whose career has been hampered by injuries in recent years. He had managed just 26 games in the past three seasons and was restricted to just 14 games last season. However, he had been an ever-present during the opening seven rounds of the season and had averaged around 114 metres per game and is currently twelfth in Super League for metres made this season.
"He had a decent ankle injury and it's turned into a likely six to eight-weekt week injury," Smith said. "He'll be seeing a specialist this afternoon so we'll know about the way forward there but other than that we've come through."
On Handley, Smith added: "He's back in training but I'm not sure if he'll be available yet. He hasn't done a full training session yet so we'll have to see. We've also got to see if Nene is alright. If he's available he'll come back in but I've got Tindall and young Luis Roberts and other players in the outside backs who are chomping at the bit for an opportunity and at times that's what the kids need."
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