Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott has revealed that Kevin Sinfield will miss out on tomorrow night’s clash against Wigan due to injury, but has backed replacement Liam Sutcliffe to step up in his absence.
Sinfield, who was withdrawn late on during the Rhinos’ 18-6 defeat to Warrington last Friday, will miss out against Shaun Wane’s men due to a hamstring problem, with youngster Sutcliffe set to get the nod instead.
And McDermott believes that whilst Sinfield will be missed, Sutcliffe has the ability to fill the void left by the Leeds skipper.
“Kev’s got some hamstring/neurol issue so he’s stood down for a week to let that recover,” McDermott said.
“He’s a fantastic player for us and very influential so we will miss him but what we’ve got out there is good enough and Liam Sutcliffe certainly shows a lot of promise and has delivered in the past.”
Danny McGuire will captain the team in Sinfield’s absence, whilst forward Andy Yates is also expected to come in after injury to Kylie Leuluai.