Arthur reveals Handley's long-term issue and praises 'best performance'

Delighted coach Brad Arthur provided an injury update on captain Ash Handley following Leeds Rhinos' “best performance” of his time in charge.

- by Peter Smith

The centre was substituted midway through the second half of Leeds' 28-6 home win against Betfred Super League leaders Hull KR on Thursday and Arthur revealed that was to rest a long-term issue.

“It was his groins,” the coach said. “He has been carrying them for the season. I'm not sure how bad they are; we have got a fair turnaround this week [to the game at Hull FC next Saturday], but we are in a position where we've got guys there who can do a good job. We put Kallum [Watkins] there - what a luxury he is to be able to put him there and we don't miss a beat.”

Rhinos' second win against Hull KR in successive months lifted them level on points with second-placed Wigan Warriors who play Wakefield Trinity tomorrow.