Leeds Rhinos sign Wigan Warriors striker but miss out on Jake Connor

Leeds Rhinos have announced the signing of Wigan Warriors striker Sam Eseh on a short-term loan after ruling out four more players due to concussion protocol.

Rhinos will be without Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Tom Holroyd and Sam Lisone for Friday night’s game against Leigh Leopards. The quartet underwent concussion protocol after the Rhinos reviewed footage from Saturday’s defeat to Hull FC.

Leeds say they have “reiterated their commitment to the brain health of their players” and are “adopting the correct protocol to stop these players”.

However, with Andy Ackers, James Bentley and Morgan Gannon also sidelined with concussion symptoms – Gannon will not play again this year – it means Leeds now have seven first-team players with concussion cerebral.

This prompted the Rhinos to move into the transfer market, with Eseh coming to the club on an initial short-term loan deal. He joined Wigan earlier this season and has spent time on loan at Castleford Tigers as he awaits an opportunity with the Super League champions.

But he will almost certainly feature for Leeds on Friday night as they prepare to face Leopards in a game which is crucial to their play-off hopes.

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