Leeds Rhinos’ new signings to miss Boxing Day clash due to injury

Leeds Rhinos' new signings Kruise Leeming and Alex Mellor will miss upcoming Boxing Day clash with Wakefield Trinity because of injury. Hooker Leeming “tweaked” a knee in combat training and was on crutches after the session, but the injury is not as bad as first feared. He will be ruled out on Boxing Day but could feature in the Rhinos next pre-season game at home to Bradford Bulls on Sunday, January 12. Second-row Mellor sustained a groin injury in the field session and will also miss out. Youngster Muizz Mustapha hasn't recovered enough from an ankle injury and will miss out the game as well. Coach Richard Agar said: “We have had a really good pre-season in terms of injuries, but unfortunately just before our first run out we have picked up two on the same day. Both Kruise and Alex are desperate to play, having recently joined the club, but we have to be smart with both given the important part they will play in our season. Corey Johnson, who has been outstanding in training, will get the chance to impress at hooker and Alex Sutcliffe will now start in the second-row instead of off the bench. “Muizz Mustapha rolled his ankle in training last week and we had hoped he would be right for Boxing Day but, like Kruise and Alex, we need to make sure he is fully fit so he can give the best account of himself. His spot on the bench will be taken by Wellington Albert. Jack Broadbent, who finished the 2019 season in great form for the Under 19s and Featherstone, will come on to the bench to fill the gap left by Alex Sutcliffe.” Leeds Rhinos will face Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day (December 26) for the traditional Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge at the Emerald Headingley. Source- Yorkshire Post

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