Early surgery for McColl enables Leeds to plan ahead for play-offs

Revitalised Leeds Carnegie have sent Stevie McColl to the surgeon’s table to ensure one of their star performers is fully fit for the play-offs.

Having won their last four games, confidence has returned to the Headingley men who began the campaign dreadfully with four defeats in their opening five games.

Versatile back McColl, who they picked up from Doncaster Knights in the summer, has suffered a recurrence of the shoulder injury he first picked up in pre-season at Newcastle.

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And he has been ruled out of action for three months following the surgery after the club decided to get the problem rectified early to enable McColl to return to the team later in the season.

Leeds head coach Diccon Edwards said: “It was a calculated option with Stevie.

“Obviously our aim this season is to make sure we are in the play-offs in the new year and by having the operation now the hope is that Stevie will be back and available for the first play-off game.

“His shoulder was not right and he would have needed the operation at some point.

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“Unfortunately that means that we will miss him for a few months now but hopefully it will be worth it in the long run.”

Leeds can go above Nottingham with victory tomorrow.

Lee Blackett comes in on the wing for McColl in one of four changes made by Edwards, while USA international Robbie Shaw starts at scrum-half with Craig Hampson dropping to the bench.

Phil Swainston is preferred at tighthead prop with David Young moving to the sidelines. Richard Beck comes in for Dominic Barrow in the back row.

Pete Lucock’s return from injury is rewarded with a place on the bench, alongside promising talent Alex Rieder.

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Doncaster Knights host London Welsh today hoping to build on the defensive platform that set up victory at Esher last week.

Head coach Brett Davey said: “We were good defensively, our work rate was good and we kept our discipline and composure.

“It’ll be a frantic game at times against Welsh, so we need all these things to be in place.”

Davey has made just two changes to his side. He said: “It was a very hard selection process this week and I spent a lot of time discussing in depth positions and players with my coaching staff. Some players are missing out but they will get their chance again.”

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To get bums on seats Doncaster are inviting anyone who purchases a single ticket to bring a friend in for free.

Season ticket holders can bring two friends for free by using vouchers B&C in their booklet.