Leeds Rhinos' plans for the season have been thrown into turmoil after Rob Lui and Jack Walker were ruled out with long-term injuries.
Halfback Lui has suffered a quad tear that will keep him out for eight to twelve weeks and leaves Richard Agar without his two senior halfbacks, with Luke Gale still recovering from a torn pec and touch and go for the opening game of the season against Wakefield.
It's even worse news for fullback Walker, who could miss the entire season after a serious setback on a foot injury picked up 12 months ago. Walker suffered a lisfranc injury that required surgery, and new scans have revealed he will need another operation. The club says he will miss at least six months of action.
It leaves the Rhinos with a shortage in the halves, with youngster Callum McLelland also recovering from a post-season operation.
Richie Myler, who operated at fullback last season, is a recognised halfback, but Walker's absence leaves Agar with all the wrong selection headaches just three weeks out from the season.
Director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “We are disappointed for Rob and Jack as both players were keen to make a big impression this season. Rob is progressing well with his rehab and will be back hopefully within three months.
"It is desperately sad news for Jack. He worked hard to return to playing last season but the original correction to his foot has now failed and, along with Jack, we are speaking to the experts to find the best solution going forward to resolve the issue.
"Despite having been in the first team since 2017, Jack is still young and our medical staff will be working with him over the coming months to help him make a full recovery."
Agar is set to speak to the press tomorrow, with the possibility of recruitment likely to be asked as a result of the latest injuries.
