Rhinos full-back Webb to miss Grand Final
Leeds Rhinos full-back Brent Webb ruled out of Grand Final
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Friday, 03, Oct 2008 10:34
Leeds Rhinos full-back Brent Webb has been ruled out of Saturday's Super League Grand Final due to a reoccurrence of a previous back injury.
The New Zealand international, who was expected to be a major player for the reigning champions in their quest to retain the title at Old Trafford, missed three games in July because of the problem, including the Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to tomorrow's opponents St Helens.
Webb had recently recovered from a knee injury and was expected to be fit for the season's climax.
But the news he will not even be fit to travel to Manchester for the game has come as a major blow to the underdogs, who will be looking to avenge their playoff eliminator defeat to Saints two weeks ago.
Leeds head coach Brian McClennan said Webb is "bitterly disappointed to be missing out" and described it as "probably the worst week in his sporting life".
"We were confident earlier in the week that he would be available but then he suffered a reoccurrence of the back injury in training," the coach explained.
"The last time he suffered it he was out for three to four weeks and it is worse this time. He has been a huge contributor to our team and to getting us to the Grand Final."
McClennan added that Webb would also be doubtful for the Kiwis for the rugby league World Cup in Australia, which kicks off at the end of the month.
"He is devastated to miss out on Old Trafford, having missed the [Challenge Cup] semi-final earlier in the year, and also possibly representing the Kiwis in the World Cup," he continued.
"He has wished the boys all the best and he will have to watch the game at home because he is in so much pain that he can not even sit down in comfort.
"Our medical staff are working with him to help him as much as they can and he knows he has got our full support."