Leeds Rhinos boss "hugely disappointed" after four players forced to stand down

LEEDS RHINOS head coach Richard Agar says four players who could miss the rest of the season for track and trace reasons are “devastated” but the club will do their utmost to fulfil all their fixtures.

They have been forced into changes for tomorrow’s game against Wakefield Trinity after Castleford Tigers reported 12 positive Covid tests following Monday’s defeat to Leeds.

Challenge Cup winners Rhinos hope to break into the top-four - although the play-off format could yet be increased given the sheer number of recently cancelled games - and Agar conceded the knock-on effect of Castleford’s results was a significant blow for myriad reasons.

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The four players - none of whom have tested positive - will miss tomorrow’s game as well as Leeds’ match against Wakefield at Belle Vue on Sunday, next week’s contest against Castleford (if it goes ahead) and possibly the final regular round against Wigan Warriors.

“It is hugely disappointing; I feel for the individuals concerned and for my squad,” said Agar, who has yet to add any new players to his original 21-man group.

“We feel as a club and a squad we have done everything possible.

“We’ve been ultra-diligent and it’s a very tough one for the guys who can’t play in what is such an important period in our season.

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“They have worked really hard all year as a group and as individuals.

Leeds Rhinos' coach Richard Agar (Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)Leeds Rhinos' coach Richard Agar (Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)
Leeds Rhinos' coach Richard Agar (Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)

“It is devastating, but it has happened to other teams this year.

“The timing is unfortunate, given the amount of games coming up and the importance of them.

“But we are a strong, resilient bunch and we’ll get a really competitive outfit out there.”

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Leeds, of course, are facing an intensive workload having reached Wembley and seen earlier games postponed.

But Agar insisted: “We are not looking to duck out of fixtures, whatever the situation is.

“We will get a team out on the park, even if it means going under-strength in massively important games.

“We will try and keep the game going as much as we possibly can.”

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