LEEDS RHINOS will be without star fullback Lachlan Miller for their play-off bid after confirmation his hamstring injury will keep him out for the remainder of the season.
The Australian has played a key role in Leeds’ top-two finish, assisting 18 tries – more than any other Super League player in his position – and making a competition-best 166 tackle busts.
But he pulled up just seven minutes into the Rhinos’ 40-8 defeat to Wigan Warriors, a result which likely cost them the League Leaders’ Shield.
Head coach Brad Arthur said: “He’s going to avoid surgery, which is positive, but he’s looking at ten-to-twelve weeks (of rehabilitation).
“He should be ready to start training in the first or second week we’re back in.
“It’s disappointing for the team, and for him because he’s worked hard and he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do.”
Leeds complete their regular season with a home fixture against Hull FC on Friday.
They then have a two-week wait for a home semi-final, as they bid to reach the Grand Final for the first time since 2022 and then end a nine-year title drought.
James McDonnell won’t feature against Hull as the back-rower is given more time to allow a pec injury to heal.
But both winger Maika Sivo (arm) and forward Keanan Palasia (foot) are in line to return.
Despite Fergus McCormack, the 20-year-old youth product with only four senior matches under his belt, being initially touted by Arthur to replace Miller at fullback, the Leeds boss instead intends to shift captain Ash Handley there from his usual centre spot.