Rhinos ponder loan bid for Smith

The winger has played just nine minutes of first-team rugby union with Wasps since leaving the Super League champions in November and is understood to be keen on a return.

With Leeds in dire need of a winger given long-term injuries to Scott Donald and Kallum Watkins, Smith would prove a perfect replacement.

It is understood the Guinness Premiership club do not want to jettison the player permanently so soon into his three-year deal but a temporary switch might suit all parties and Leeds-born Smith could even be back at Headingley in time for the showdown with Bradford Bulls a week on Thursday.

The champions have lost four of their opening seven Super League games and need to strengthen. Nine players missed Friday's defeat against Hull KR.

Chief executive Gary Hetherington, who did not comment on the possible return of Smith, said: "We've had a few irons in the fire and we've cast far and wide but so far there is nothing happening yet.

"Michael Coady acquitted himself really well against Hull KR even though he's only played 12 games of rugby league in his life. When you look at our run we've got Wigan, Bradford, Catalans, Hull twice and

St Helens. If we're bringing someone in, they have to be able to play at that level."

Hetherington also admits he "fears the worst" for Jamie Peacock. The England captain is awaiting scan results on his injured foot after damaging ligaments.

He is out of Friday's trip to leaders Wigan but there is concern Peacock could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The loss of their talismanic prop would be another body blow for coach Brian McClennan.

"We're hoping it will be good news but you do fear the worst with that one," said Hetherington. "It's unheralded the scale of injuries we've had and the severity of them. It's not just bumps and bruises, we have some real long-term injuries."