Leeds lose captain Handley for Warrington semi-final

Leeds Rhinos will be without captain Ash Handley for Friday's Super League play-off semi-final against Warrington.

Handley misses the knockout tie with a back injury. Leeds confirmed the problem on 23 September as a disc bulge causing nerve pain down into his legs, according to BBC Sport. He is definitely out this week and his availability beyond that is being assessed week to week.

That is a sore loss. Handley has scored 10 tries in 23 appearances this season. A try, touching the ball down over the tryline, is worth four points in rugby league and remains the game's sharpest currency.

He had been filling in at full-back for the injured Lachie Miller. Full-back is the last defender behind the main line, the player who takes high kicks, makes covering tackles and starts counter-attacks. Handley is best known as a long-serving winger, the finisher who patrols the touchline, but he has also played centre this season, a midfield running and tackling role.

Leeds will also be without centre Jack Bird against Warrington. Bird has a hamstring injury and misses out alongside his captain.

Miller remains missing too. His absence is felt keenly. He is one of three nominees for this year's Steve Prescott Man of Steel award, Super League's annual prize for the player of the season.

It means the Rhinos must reshape again. Twenty-year-old Fergie McCormack will start at full-back on Friday. It will be only the fourth start of his senior career.

That is a big ask. The position demands calm under the high ball and constant talking to organise chasers and wingers. Mistakes there are costly because there is no one behind to cover.

For fans, this means Leeds go into the biggest game of their year without their first-choice and second-choice options in a key shirt. Play-off rugby in league is simple and brutal. Win and the season continues. Lose and it is over.

Leeds have coped with disruption before. They will need strong carries from their forwards to protect their young back line and give McCormack front-foot ball rather than kicks under pressure. Warrington will test him early. Every team does.