Rhinos hit by Watkins blow

Watkins: damaged his wrist in the win over Castleford

Leeds will have to do without Kallum Watkins for up to 12 weeks after the winger suffered a wrist injury against Castleford.

The 20-year-old damaged ligaments having scored the first try in his side’s 48-6 victory over the Tigers at the PROBIZ Coliseum on Friday.

Watkins missed the majority of last season after needing a knee reconstruction but has been in impressive form so far in 2011.

The news that he could be out for as long as three months is not only a blow to his club but also for England coach Steve McNamara ahead of the game against the Exiles at Headingley on June 10.

Great form

“We are all disappointed for Kallum as he has been in great form this season,” said Rhinos coach Brian McDermott.

“We will make sure that we get the injury sorted and look forward to having him back for the latter half of the season.”

McDermott, though, does expect Lee Smith to be available for the Carnegie Challenge Cup clash against Crusaders next Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Rhinos have confirmed that their team coach was attacked as it left the ground following the game against Castleford.

“Having spoken to the players, they say one young boy threw a stone at the window as the team left the ground which cracked the windscreen,” chief executive Gary Hetherington said.

“We will be co-operating fully with Castleford and the RFL regarding further enquires but thankfully no one was injured either on the bus or passers by.”