Leeds Rhinos will be without Lachie Miller for the Super League play-offs after head coach Brad Arthur revealed the star full-back will be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks, due to a torn hamstring. Â
Miller, who has been one of Leeds' most crucial attackers this season, sustained the injury during the early stages of his side's on Saturday.
Arthur confirmed the news on Wednesday, adding the 32-year-old will not require surgery to remedy the injury.
It is a huge blow for Miller, who was a firm favourite to be crowned this season's Man of Steel, ranking third for the most metres and the most carries.
The Rhinos boss also revealed the surprising news that Ash Handley would step in at full-back for the injured Miller for his side's final regular-season Super League clash against Hull FC on Friday.
"He's going to avoid surgery, which is positive. But he's looking at 10 to 12 weeks," Arthur said.
"It's at the higher end of the scale, but it's not the highest because the next step would have been surgery.
"It's disappointing for his team-mates and the team, but I always put the player first. It's really disappointing for him because he's worked hard on things and done everything we've asked him to do.
"He was playing with a fractured eye socket going into the game. The plan was to get him through the Wigan game and the physios had a place saved for this Monday to have an operation if it got any worse."
