Rhinos' McDonnell to miss Super League kick-off
James McDonnell scored nine tries for Leeds Rhinos last season
- Published
Leeds Rhinos have been dealt a blow before the new Super League season with James McDonnell ruled out for up to six weeks.
The 26-year-old forward sustained an ankle injury in Saturday's warm-up game against Bradford Bulls that will keep him for at least a month.
McDonnell, who featured in every Leeds game last season and was named in the Super League Dream Team, will depart for National Rugby League (NRL) side Perth Bears at the end of the campaign.
Promising centre Max Simpson, 21, will miss the entire season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the game against the Bulls, which was the departing Cameron Smith's testimonial for the club.
Leeds, who face Widnes in the third round of the Challenge Cup a week on Saturday, start their Super League campaign at Leigh Leopards on 13 February.
Captain Ash Handley also came off during Saturday's game with a groin injury and is expected to be out for two weeks.
