Crocked Peacock adds to Rhinos' injury woes

The Engage Super League champions had nine players missing for last Friday's 17-10 home defeat by Hull Kingston Rovers and their problems increased when prop forward Peacock limped off with an ankle injury.

Leeds head of physiotherapy Meirion Jones confirmed yesterday that the former Bradford player has suffered damaged ligaments and that he will have further scans this week to ascertain the extent of the injury.

"Jamie Peacock has damaged ligaments in his foot," said Jones.

"He is having further investigations to clarify the exact extent of the damage.

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"We will be able to give a more accurate prognosis once we have the results of those scans."

The Rhinos' injury absentees against Hull KR were Danny Buderus (foot), Tom Bush (knee), Ryan Hall (knee), Scott Donald (shoulder), Greg Eastwood (wrist), Kevin Sinfield (dead leg) and Carl Ablett (ankle), while Ryan Bailey missed the game through illness.

Coach Brian McClennan gave debuts to Chris Clarkson, Michael Coady and Kyle Amor against Rovers.

Stricken Leeds's injury torment should be eased slightly for Friday's trip to Wigan.

If the Rovers' game had taken place yesterday coach Brian McClennan felt international trio Ryan Hall, Danny Buderus and captain Kevin Sinfield would all have passed fit while Ryan Bailey is another who should be available. He fell ill just hours before kick-off as Leeds slumped to a fourth defeat.

Meanwhile, Leeds could make an attempt to re-sign Lee Smith given their current injury problems.

Their former winger joined Wasps after last season's Grand Final victory but has struggled to make an impact for the Guinness Premiership club and is not currently playing first-team rugby.

It is understood Smith is on McClennan's list of potential loan signings as the champions bid to strengthen their squad.

McClennan said: "It's just the way it goes and we're not going to use injuries as an excuse for our position in the table.

"It's part and parcel of the season and other clubs will go through this too hopefully.

"We'll keep working hard and we'll work our way back," he added.