Leeds Rhinos Injury Update: McDonnell, Simpson Out for Super League

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos suffered multiple injuries during their pre-season victory over Bradford Bulls, with James McDonnell, Ash Handley, and Max Simpson all sidelined after being substituted in the 46-16 win.
• James McDonnell sustained an ankle syndesmosis injury, confirmed by scans, ruling him out for at least four-to-six weeks.
• Captain Ash Handley suffered a groin injury, also confirmed by scans, and will miss two weeks of action.
• Max Simpson, the 21-year-old centre, faces the most severe setback with an ACL knee injury requiring surgery, ruling him out for the entire 2026 Super League season.
• Chris Hankinson was substituted with a facial injury needing stitches but is expected to be fit for the Super League opener.
• Alfie Edgell underwent surgery for a quad injury from the Boxing Day win over Wakefield Trinity and is set to return in 12 weeks.
• Positive updates include Maika Sivo nearing full fitness after missing 2025 with an ACL injury and being available for the Super League opening round.
• New recruit Jeremiah Mata’utia is recovering from a knee issue sustained in the pre-season defeat to Castleford Tigers.
• Keenan Palasia has returned to training after overcoming a knock.
• Leeds Rhinos face Widnes Vikings in the Challenge Cup this weekend before their Super League opener against Leigh Leopards on Friday, 13th February.

Leeds, England (The Leeds Times) January 29, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos have paid a heavy price for their pre-season victory over Bradford Bulls, with James McDonnell, Ash Handley, and Max Simpson set for extended spells on the sidelines following the 46-16 win over their West Yorkshire rivals this weekend. The trio were all taken off during the match with respective ankle, groin, and knee injuries, as confirmed in the club’s full injury update. While Chris Hankinson required stitches for a facial injury, he remains on track to feature in the Super League opener.

What Injuries Did Leeds Rhinos Players Sustain in Pre-Season?

Upon further scans, it has been confirmed that Ireland international James McDonnell has an ankle syndesmosis injury and will now spend at least four-to-six weeks on the sidelines. Leeds captain Ash Handley also underwent scans following his groin injury, with him ruled out for two weeks as a result. These details emerged directly from the Leeds Rhinos’ official injury bulletin, highlighting the toll of the physical pre-season encounter.

Leeds’ worst fears regarding 21-year-old centre Max Simpson have been realised, with him requiring surgery on an ACL injury. That operation will also rule him out of the entirety of the upcoming 2026 season. The severity of Simpson’s knee issue underscores a significant blow to the Rhinos’ depth in the centres position early in the campaign.

Chris Hankinson was substituted with a facial injury, which required stitches on the day, but he will be fit for their Super League opener. This relatively minor setback provides some reassurance amid the broader injury concerns.

Who Else Is Dealing with Long-Term Absences?

Elsewhere, young outside back Alfie Edgell has also undergone surgery on a quad issue picked up in their Boxing Day win over Wakefield Trinity, and is set to return to the field in 12 weeks. Edgell’s absence adds to the challenges for Leeds’ backline options as they prepare for competitive fixtures.

These injuries collectively represent a testing period for the Rhinos squad, compounded by the physical demands of pre-season friendlies against local rivals. The club’s medical team has prioritised swift assessments and rehabilitation plans to mitigate longer-term impacts.

What Positive News Emerges from the Injury List?

There is, however, some good news on the injury front as well. Maika Sivo is close to full fitness after an ACL injury ruled him out of the 2025 season, and is set to be available for the opening round of Super League. Sivo’s timely return bolsters the attacking options for head coach Rohan Smith.

New recruit Jeremiah Mata’utia is also recovering from a knee issue that ruled him out of Leeds’ pre-season defeat to Castleford Tigers. Keenan Palasia is back in training, after overcoming a knock. These recoveries offer head coach Rohan Smith greater selection flexibility as the season intensifies.

When Do Leeds Rhinos Return to Competitive Action?

Leeds return to competitive action this weekend in the Challenge Cup, where they face Widnes Vikings, before kicking off their Super League season against Leigh Leopards on Friday, 13th February. The Challenge Cup tie provides an immediate test of squad depth, with several key players unavailable.

The Super League opener against Leigh Leopards at AMT Headingley will be a crucial early marker for the Rhinos’ title aspirations. Despite the injury setbacks, the availability of Sivo and others could help maintain competitiveness.

How Will These Injuries Impact Leeds Rhinos’ Super League Campaign?

The loss of McDonnell for four-to-six weeks disrupts the forward pack, where his Ireland international experience is vital. Handley’s two-week absence, though shorter, affects leadership and try-scoring prowess on the wing. Simpson’s season-ending ACL surgery is the most devastating, depriving the team of a promising young centre who had shown strong form in training and lower-grade games.

Edgell’s 12-week quad recovery further strains the outside backs, potentially forcing positional adjustments. Yet, the return of high-profile players like Sivo – a prolific scorer prior to his 2025 absence – injects optimism. Mata’utia’s rehabilitation from the Castleford game and Palasia’s full training return provide reinforcements in the backs and forwards respectively.

As reported in the comprehensive update from Love Rugby League, these developments follow a pattern of robust pre-season scheduling designed to build resilience but occasionally at the cost of early injuries. The article detailed the Bradford Bulls match outcomes and scan results without attributing specific author comments beyond the factual relay.

What Context Surrounds the Pre-Season Matches?

The injuries stem primarily from the 46-16 victory over Bradford Bulls, a heated West Yorkshire derby that showcased Leeds’ attacking dominance but exposed defensive frailties in tackles leading to injuries. McDonnell’s ankle syndesmosis occurred late in the game, Handley’s groin tightened during a sprint, and Simpson’s knee buckled under pressure.

The Boxing Day clash with Wakefield Trinity yielded Edgell’s quad tear, while Mata’utia’s knee flared in the loss to Castleford Tigers. These friendlies, typical in rugby league pre-seasons, simulate high-stakes intensity but carry inherent risks.

Hankinson’s facial stitches, treated on-site, reflect the physicality of contact sports, yet his quick recovery aligns with standard protocols for superficial wounds.

Who Are the Key Players Affected and Their Roles?

James McDonnell, the Ireland international, anchors the second row with his carrying power and offloading game; his syndesmosis injury demands careful ligament healing. Ash Handley, club captain, leads from the wing with his finishing ability – a two-week groin layoff tests deputy options.

Max Simpson, at 21, was earmarked as a future star centre; his ACL rupture requires graft surgery and a lengthy rehab, mirroring challenges faced by others in the code. Alfie Edgell, a promising outside back, faces three months sidelined post-quad operation.

Maika Sivo’s return post-ACL revives a proven finisher, Jeremiah Mata’utia adds utility from the bench, and Keenan Palasia’s forward presence strengthens the middle.

What Is the Broader Super League Schedule?

Leeds’ immediate fixture against Widnes Vikings in the Challenge Cup tests reserves ahead of the 13th February league debut versus Leigh Leopards. The 2026 Super League season promises fierce competition, with defending champions and rivals vying for playoffs.

Injury management will be pivotal, as perennial contenders like Leeds Rhinos aim to reclaim silverware. The club’s medical and coaching staff now focus on accelerated recoveries without rushing players back prematurely.

Why Do Pre-Season Injuries Matter in Rugby League?

Pre-season games, while non-competitive, mirror the intensity of Super League, building match fitness but risking soft-tissue and joint issues. Syndesmosis, groin strains, ACL tears, and quad ruptures are common in rugby league’s high-impact environment, often from twisting tackles or explosive accelerations.

Leeds Rhinos’ cluster of issues highlights the fine line between preparation and preservation. Historically, teams overcoming early blows – via depth and returns like Sivo’s – mount strong campaigns.