Konrad Hurrell is set to miss the opening rounds of the Super League season as he continues to overcome a calf injury.
The powerhouse centre was a notable absentee from Leeds Rhinos' first matchday squad of the season, with the Tongan not included in Richard Agar's 21-man squad.
It's now emerged that Hurrell is due a short absence before returning to the field, having spent the off-season nursing calf problems.
Hurrell, who has stripped almost ten kilos from his weight last season, has actually torn his calf.
But the Rhinos expect him to be available for selection in a couple of weeks, which will add to their outside back options after Easter.
Leeds are currently dealing with a number of injuries heading into the start of the season. Luke Gale is closing in on a return to fitness and could feature against Wakefield Trinity on Saturday but Jack Walker (foot), Harry Newman (leg), Ash Handley (knee), Rob Lui (quad), Callum McLelland (groin) and Tom Holroyd (leg) are all unavailable for round one.
Hurrell is in the final year of his Rhinos contract and has made no secret of his desire to remain with the club beyond the end of the season.
When he does return, he will face competition for his position from a fit-again Newman and Liam Sutcliffe, along with the emerging Jack Broadbent.
