Leeds Rhinos captain Handley out of play-off game

Leeds Rhinos captain Ash Handley has been ruled out of their play-off semi-final against Warrington on Friday with a back injury.

The 30-year-old centre, who had been filling in at full-back for the injured Lachie Miller, has scored 10 tries in 23 appearances this season.

“Ash out of nowhere came up with a disc bulge which is referring some neural pain down to his legs,” head coach Brad Arthur told BBC Radio Leeds.

“He wont be available this week and it’s a week-to-week proposition.”

Arthur added: “Every time you get an injury it’s a blow but like I keep saying I like these situations, some of the best decisions I’ve made as a coach have been ones I’ve been forced into.”

Centre Jack Bird has also been ruled out of the game against the Wire with a hamstring injury.

With Handley and Miller, who is one of the three nominees for this year’s Steve Prescott Man of Steel award, both out it means that 20-year-old Fergie McCormack will make just his fourth career start on Friday.

“I’m looking forward to young Fergus playing at full-back,” Arthur said.

“He’s trained really well since last Monday. We’ve had four sessions and he looks a lot more comfortable and at ease from his three games he had with us.

“He looks a lot more like he has the belief that he belongs, so we’re backing him and we’re really happy that he gets a chance.”