Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott has hit back at suggestions Jamie Jones-Buchanan could be nearing the end of his career, after his latest injury setback ruled him out of this weekend’s visit of Catalan Dragons.
The 32-year-old only returned from a 12-game layoff during last weekend’s win over Widnes, but picked up another injury, meaning he is set for another spell on the sidelines – after an absence at the beginning of 2014 due to a calf injury too. However, McDermott refused to write off his veteran forward, saying he is nowhere near the end of his career.
“His run of niggling little injuries continues,” McDermott said.
“It looks like he will miss this week and the week after, but I would not write him off. People will start to raise the question – is he coming to the end, with the injuries he has had? Absolutely not. Anybody who does raise that question needs to look at the impact he had at Widnes.
“He was very, very good. He did not look out of place and he is still very, very effective. He is a big part of what we do and he will continue to be.”
