Leeds Rhinos boss Richard Agar explains Luke Gale three-month injury

The England scrum-half has torn a pectoral muscle in the first full week of pre-season training and is set to be out for up to 12 weeks.

Rhinos are due to start on March 11 but Agar is not too concerned.

He explained: “Luke’s enthusiasm got the better of him in the gym.

“He’s torn his pec through lifting and it’s just one of those things.

“He was fully warmed up and not really overdoing it weight-wise but he’s done it.

“It’s really tough to happen in the first couple of days but I guess it’s better to happen now so we can get it fixed up.

“It’s a three month injury but once the operation is done - and I think we’ve got him booked in next Wednesday - it could possibly be nine or ten weeks.

“Luke’s a good healer and after the initial disappointment of he can’t believe it’s happened, he’s got his head around it.

“He’s unlikely to make the start of the year but he won’t be far off and the most he is likely to miss is a round or two.”

Leeds do have ex-England No7 Richie Myler and Callum McLelland available as back-up if the 32-year-old does miss the opening rounds.

Gale made a massive impact in his debut season at Emerald Headingley after being bought from Castleford Tigers.

Agar added: “It is frustrating for him on the back of a really enjoyable year.

“He got to lift the Challenge Cup so to get something like that so early is a disappointment.

“But it’s the sport we play unfortunately that sometimes things like this happen.”

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