Leeds Rhinos suffer cruel injury blow as youngster undergoes surgery
Leeds Rhinos' young fullback Alfie Edgell is set for some time out after sustaining a jaw injury during a training session. The 20-year-old, who was due to play in Leeds' Boxing Day clash against Wakefield, has undergone surgery following the setback.
Edgell has fractured his jaw, with the Rhinos not putting a timeline on his return until they learn further details. But it is a blow for the youngster, who made an impression last year after being handed his opportunity.
It also provides Leeds with further complications, given their first-choice fullback, Lachie Miller, is still recovering from a hamstring injury that he suffered during the off-season.
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"First and foremost we are really disappointed for Alfie," Leeds Rhinos' sporting director, Ian Blease, said. "He has trained incredibly well during pre-season and we were all looking forward to seeing him start at fullback on Boxing Day. It was a freakish accident in training and our medical staff have looked after Alfie, thankfully he was able to have surgery on Saturday to get the healing process started.
"At this stage, we are not certain on how long he will be sidelined for. I am sure he will come back from this setback and pick up where he has left off and we all wish him all the best for a speedy recovery."
Edgell had been named as Leeds' starting fullback for the Boxing Day bout with Wakefield, with a replacement not yet confirmed. The two centres named for the game, Jake Connor and Ash Handley, are alternatives, but would provide a further shake-up to facilitate it.
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