Paul Aiton: Leeds Rhinos hooker suffers broken arm

Paul Aiton is leaving Leeds to join Catalans Dragons at the end of the season

Leeds Rhinos hooker Paul Aiton will miss the Challenge Cup final after breaking an arm during Friday's Super League win over Warrington.

The 30-year-old, who will join Catalans Dragons at the the end of the season, is set to be out for up to eight weeks.

Leeds hope the Papua New Guinea international will be fit for the final three games of the season if they reach the play-offs and the Grand Final.

"It is terrible news for Paul," said Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott.

"He has been great for us this year and has been a key player in how we play.

"The nature of professional sport is that you can never choose when you might pick up an injury like this and the timing is personally tough for Paul and what he will miss out on.

"However, he will do everything he can to be back before the end of the Super 8s and I am sure he will have a say on this season for us."

Leeds, who face Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, 29 August, are currently top of the Super League table and must finish in the top four at the end of the Super 8s phase to qualify for the play-offs.