LEEDS RHINOS forward Keenan Palasia will be out for an extended period after suffering a foot injury.
Palasia, who head coach Brad Arthur has labelled ‘one of the best props’ in Super League, is expected to be sidelined for the next six weeks.
Whilst the injury is undoubtedly a blow for Leeds, Arthur is hopeful that the 29-year-old, who missed Saturday’s 28-6 win at Catalans Dragons, will return before the end of the campaign.
“Keenan will miss six weeks with his foot injury,” the head coach confirmed.
“It’s a blow but it’s an opportunity for other guys. He was playing really well and was starting to insert himself as one of the best front-rowers in the competition – if not the best.
“He has been key in terms of our starts. Him and Mikolaj Oledzki have been good in that respect.
“He will work hard and get himself right within that six-week timeframe.
“Presley (Cassell) will get some good game time in response.”
There is more positive news for fellow forward Cooper Jenkins, who suffered an eye injury during the victory in Perpignan.
“He got some bleeding in behind his eyes, he has had all his testing and is ok at the minute.
“He is alright. It was a burst blood vessel but he got blurred vision and the doctors erred on the precautionary side of things.”