Leeds Rhinos lose Peacock and Ablett through injury

Leeds Rhinos will be without centre Carl Ablett and prop Jamie Peacock for up to eight weeks through hand and knee injuries respectively.

The duo could be joined on the sidelines by second-row Brett Delaney, who injured his shoulder in Saturday's Challenge Cup defeat by Huddersfield.

"It is a blow, especially considering the form that both players are in at present," coach Brian McDermott said.

"The worst case scenario is that both are out for eight weeks."

McDermott added: "But our medical staff will be working hard with them."

Rhinos take on St Helens in the first of the televised Monday night Super League fixtures without the trio, in addition to further long-term absentees.

"It is obviously a blow to lose two internationals from our squad for two months, but injuries are something that is part of our game and that is why you have a squad to draw upon.," McDermott added.

"Stevie Ward is also out and Ben Jones-Bishop is a couple of weeks away from making his return, but this will give an opportunity to other players to stake their claim in the team over the next few weeks."