LEEDS RHINOS have been rocked by a double blow ahead of their Super League semi-final clash against Warrington Wolves on Friday night.
Outside backs Jack Bird and Ash Handley have both succumbed to injuries, adding to the loss of fullback Lachlan Miller for the rest of the season.
“Birdy last week had a bit of a hamstring complaint so he won’t be right for this week,” Leeds coach Brad Arthur said.
“It’s a week-to-week proposition on him but he won’t be here.
“Ash came up with a disc bulge which is giving some neural pain down to his legs.
“He won’t be available this week and that’s a week-to-week proposition too.
“Every time you get an injury it’s a blow but these situations can throw up some of the best decisions I have been forced into.
“I’m looking forward to seeing young Fergus (McCormack) at fullback. He looks a lot more comfortable and at ease in the three games he has had with us.
“There is a belief that he belongs here. We are really happy he gets a chance.
“We’ve got a couple of options at centre. We’ve got our final session soon but Ned (McCormack) has done a bit there and a couple of other young blokes can play there.”
James McDonnell will, however, return to the Leeds starting line-up.
“He’s probably one of the best defensive players in the competition and one of our best,” added Arthur.
“He works extremely hard. He will be short of match fitness but he will certainly help stiffen up that right edge.”