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Page last updated at 14:49 GMT, Thursday, 15 January 2009

Leeds' Ma'asi to face Crusaders

Vili Ma'asi
Ma'asi has won the National Trophy with Cornish Pirates

Leeds Carnegie's Villi Ma'asi is set to make his long-awaited return to first-team action on Saturday at Dings Crusaders in the National Trophy.

The Tongan hooker has not played since the second game of the season due to injury but successfully came through Leeds' A game on Monday at Bristol.

Loanee prop Juan Gomez is also set to feature after a leg problem.

However centre Henry Paul will miss the trip to Bristol as he has failed to recover from a rib problem in time.

Director of rugby Andy Key told BBC Radio Leeds: "Villi and Gomez will both be involved this weekend, so didn't play the whole A game.

"But what they did do and their contribution was very rewarding from both a coaching point of view and for them as players.

"As far as Henry is concerned he's maybe just a week away from being fit again.

Henry is not one to be put off by pain, but we don't need to rush him back and so we just have to wait for it to get better

Leeds director of rugby Andy Key

"It turned out he did break a rib against Otley on Boxing Day and it's an awkward injury to treat as any movement disturbs it.

"Henry is not one to be put off by pain, but we don't need to rush him back and so we just have to wait for it to get better."

Leeds are expected to field a mixed team of youth and experience against the National League Three South club.

BBC Radio Leeds has reports of the game on 103.9 FM on Saturday from 1400 GMT.

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see also
Leeds' Ma'asi on verge of return
08 Jan 09 |  Rugby Union
Ma'asi signs for Leeds Carnegie
22 May 07 |  English


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