Zak Hardaker is on course to make his second debut for Leeds Rhinos this week. Hardaker's first appearance for the Rhinos since rejoining the club was put on hold after he suffered a seizure away from training in the days leading up to the win against Hull Kingston Rovers.
Hardaker has been through a stringent and extensive return-to-play protocol since then, and has now returned to full training. Speaking ahead of his first match in charge of the club, new Leeds coach Rohan Smith revealed that Hardaker has had a 'very good progression' in his recovery and providing he clears the remaining hurdles, he will be selected for Sunday's trip to Salford.
"He got through a good session yesterday and he needs to get through another session and have another assessment from the doctor and he could well be available for selection," Smith said, before confirming: "If he's available to me for selection, he will be selected.
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"I'm not sure of the medical tests he's done specifically other than he's passed everything he's had to do. The stage of progression, since his return, has followed the concussion protocol and he's got through everything as planned. The medical team are happy with him. He's very close to playing."
Smith also said he has no qualms about Hardaker's physical condition after a period of several weeks without a game since leaving Wigan Warriors.
"He's in decent condition for sure," Smith said. "I've long believed that players who have played so many games, it's built in there to a certain point."
Leeds will also almost certainly be boosted by the return of Richie Myler this Sunday. Myler has not featured since suffering an injury on the opening day of the season but he has trained all week, and is another in contention to return.
"Most likely, he'll be available for selection," Smith said of Myler. "He's trained well this week, had great energy and a great vibe and we're looking forward to getting him through all good.
"There's now some guys that are getting very close. They need to get through tomorrow's big session unscathed and come through the other side of it, but there's some that are likely to be available for selection."
