Leeds Rhinos Explore Loan Options to Bolster Injury-Plagued Squad
Despite a host of injury concerns this season, the Leeds Rhinos find themselves just a couple of wins away from the top of the Super League table. In a bid to remedy their personnel issues, the club has recently secured a loan move for Matty Russell, but Rohan Smith’s side may not stop there in their search for reinforcements.
Sitting in seventh place, the Rhinos are only two points shy of the playoff positions and four points off the league summit. However, their journey has not been without its challenges, as they have been one of the teams most affected by injuries this campaign.
The club’s backline has been particularly decimated, with long-serving winger Ash Handley sidelined due to a rib problem, while centres Harry Newman and Paul Momirovski have also missed significant time. Overseas star David Fusitu’a and young talent Riley Lumb are also nursing longer-term injuries, prompting the addition of Matty Russell on loan.
Yet, the injury crisis at Headingley is not limited to the backs, which could lead Leeds Rhinos to explore further loan opportunities across the pitch. Some potential targets the club may consider include:
Jake Bibby (Huddersfield Giants) – Wing/Centre
The versatile Bibby could provide cover for Leeds’ backline, with the player potentially available on loan from the Giants, where he has found game time hard to come by behind the in-form duo of Kevin Naiqama and Esan Marsters.Sam Eseh (Wigan Warriors) – Prop
After a previous failed loan move earlier in the season, the young prop Eseh could once again be on the radar for Leeds, with Wigan boasting an abundance of options in the forward pack.Joe Bullock (Warrington Wolves) – Prop
The experienced prop Bullock, despite recently signing a contract extension with Warrington, has found himself on the periphery of the first team and could be a potential loan target for the Rhinos.
By judiciously utilizing the loan market, Leeds Rhinos hope to navigate their injury woes and maintain their push towards the upper echelons of the Super League table.
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