Leeds Rhinos’ second shutdown only a “little knock-back” says James Donaldson

Leeds Rhinos’ back-row James Donaldson says the club’s training ground being shut down for at least a further five days will remain only a “little knock-back” in their preparations for the 2021 campaign.
Leeds Rhinos have been forced to extend their training ground closure following a further Covid-19 outbreak. Picture: Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos.Leeds Rhinos have been forced to extend their training ground closure following a further Covid-19 outbreak. Picture: Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos.
Leeds Rhinos have been forced to extend their training ground closure following a further Covid-19 outbreak. Picture: Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos.

The Challenge Cup holders closed down last Thursday for five days after an initial seven positive tests – six players and one member of staff.

However, they yesterday announced they had suffered another four positive tests since then and, therefore, have extended that enforced break.

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The facility will now remain off limits for at least 10 days.

Donaldson, who has not caught the virurs, conceded it was disappointing but said: “It just seems like it’s the normal thing now – to not know if you’re coming and going.

“It’s the same with us boys at training.

“We’d just been starting to get to a good place in practice where the body was adjusting back to full-time training again and the skill was really starting to pick up.

“It is a little bit of a knock-back but I suppose there’s a little while yet to the season starting with it being put back two weeks so that will help once we’re hopefully back in training next week.”

James Donaldson believes the shutting down of Leeds Rhinos' training ground is a "little knock-back" for the club. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.James Donaldson believes the shutting down of Leeds Rhinos' training ground is a "little knock-back" for the club. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
James Donaldson believes the shutting down of Leeds Rhinos' training ground is a "little knock-back" for the club. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
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The club has worked closely with the RFL’s Multiple Case Group to discuss the impact and next steps, in line with the Multiple Case Framework, and there will be a further round of PCR testing on Friday.

Rhinos – who are due to start the Super League season on March 25 – say the rationale for this decision is to ensure that any trace of the virus is eradicated prior to return to the training ground.

The process will remain under review depending on the test results over the next five days.

Obviously, players are well down the list when it comes to receiving the vaccine. Ex-Bradford Bulls and Hull KR player Donaldson, 29, added: “Looking at the news, I know there’s a few problems with the vaccine at the moment.

Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield.
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield.
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
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“It would be ideal for everyone to get it as soon as possible and help not only get rugby league fully back up and running this year but to get the fans back in the stadium, too.

“We know, though, there’s a lot more other people that need it before we do, so we’ll see.

“The virus affects everyone in different ways but hopefully everyone who has got it at the club has managed to deal with it well.”

Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield added: “It is right that we proceed with caution to make sure that we have any cases within our group under control. I am pleased to say all those who have tested positive are either asymptomatic or suffering mild symptoms and they continue to receive the full support of the club.

Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.
Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.
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“With us testing every day, it enables us to monitor the whole group and we are confident we are moving in the right direction to return to training as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Huddersfield Giants also closed their training ground last Thursday to prevent further infection after reporting a “number” of positive cases but have been given the all-clear, and most of their players are now set to resume training tomorrow.

Head coach Ian Watson revealed they had alredy planned a five-day training break and that was simply brought forward.

A statement said: “The Huddersfield Giants have received clearance from the RFL’s multiple case group in line with Public Health England rules and guidelines for elite sport to return to training. The club has implemented all advised procedures and Ian Watson, his staff and players will resume their pre-season training schedule on Thursday morning.

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“A number of players will be missing as they continue their period of isolation having tested positive last week or are within their specific track-and-trace timeline which is yet to lapse.”

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