Kruise Leeming has defied the odds to be named in Leeds Rhinos' squad to take on Huddersfield Giants this Wednesday. The Rhinos captain looked likely to miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury but is set to return around a month ahead of a provisional return date initially set.
He is one of three players to return, with Tom Briscoe also being named after recovering from an ankle injury that has seen him miss around four months of action. David Fusitu'a also returns after serving a suspension. Cameron Smith (leg) and Liam Tindall (thumb) are the two to drop out, with Leeds able to name a 21-man squad.
Leeming suffered a stress fracture in his foot back in July which threatened to put him on the sidelines for twelve weeks. However, after just seven weeks of recovery, he has been cleared to play. It's a huge boost to the Rhinos, with Leeming in exceptional form during Smith's early games in charge.
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Leeds now look as close to full strength as they have all season, with Smith and Harry Newman perhaps the only two players who would be considered guaranteed selections if fit. Bodene Thompson remains out with a rib injury.
Leeds Rhinos squad : Fusitu'a, Sutcliffe, Handley, Austin, Sezer, Oledzki, Leeming, Prior, Bentley, Martin, Tetevano, Dwyer, Myler, Briscoe, Gannon, Walters, O'Connor, Johnson, Mustapha, Sinfield, Hardaker.
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