Leeds Rhinos suffer Lachie Miller injury blow in early off-season setback

Leeds Rhinos have suffered an injury blow before pre-season has even started, with Lachie Miller sustaining a serious hamstring injury.

Rugby League Live can reveal the fullback, who is currently in Australia, will report back to the club in rehabilitation after sustaining an injury during routine off-season training while back in his homeland.

The timeline for his return to full training is currently unclear and will depend entirely on how his body reacts to treatment. Surgery is not required but Miller is having Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment, a process which uses a patient's own blood to treat injuries.

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That said, it is anticipated that Miller will be unable to fully participate during a significant chunk of the pre-season and while there is no definitive timeframe for his return, he could miss anything between weeks and months, with the worst-case scenario being that he is unable to feature at the start of the Super League season.

Miller hinted at an injury on social media on Monday. Posting on his Instagram story, he thanked Athletes Authority, a performance and rehab training service, for helping him through his rehab.

He posted: "Huge thanks to @kod_physio and the crew at @athletesauthority for helping me through my rehab while back in Aus."

Leeds have signed Jake Connor in the off-season and he would appear the most likely to play the fullback role if Miller is not available. Coach Brad Arthur made depth quality within the backs a recruitment priority during the off-season and that could now come into play earlier than anticipated.

Connor, Maika Sivo and Ryan Hall have also been recruited to play in a backline already consisting of Ash Handley, Harry Newman, Brodie Croft and Matt Frawley. Beyond that there are the likes of Alfie Edgell, Riley Lumb, Max Simpson, Jack Sinfield and Ned McCormack.

Miller, 30, played 26 times and scored seven tries for the Rhinos during his maiden season for the club, having arrived from NRL club Newcastle Knights.