Rugby League News: Injuries Sideline Key Rhinos Players in Narrow Defeat
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Leeds Rhinos suffered a 30-24 loss against the Huddersfield Giants at Headingley, with the team now facing the prospect of being without key players David Fusitu’a and Harry Newman for an extended period.
Fusitu’a, who had recently returned to the Rhinos squad following off-season surgery, scored the team’s second try of the night shortly after the half-hour mark. However, his return was short-lived, as he was forced off the field, along with Newman, early in the second half.
According to Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith, Fusitu’a has sustained a “different knee injury on the other leg” to the one that had kept him out at the start of the season. Smith expressed his deep sadness for the winger, stating that he had put in a lot of hard work to return to the team and was in good shape, only to be injured again in his first game back.
The loss of both Fusitu’a and Newman during the match proved to be a significant blow for the Rhinos. Despite scoring two quick-fire tries following the pair’s withdrawal and looking poised for a win, the team ultimately couldn’t hold off a late comeback from the Giants, who claimed their first victory at Headingley in around six years.
“Fusitu’a has sustained a different knee injury on the other leg to the one that had kept him out at the start of the season.”
- Rohan Smith, Rhinos head coach
Smith also revealed that Newman had suffered a back injury early in the game, battling through with spasms but ultimately unable to continue. The coach lamented the impact of losing both a winger and a center at the same time, with players being forced to play out of position against a well-coordinated Huddersfield side.
This defeat is a heartbreaking setback for the Leeds Rhinos, who had shown promising signs in the match. The team will now have to navigate the upcoming fixtures without the services of two key players, a challenge that will test their resilience and depth as they look to bounce back from this narrow loss.
đź”— Source
