Leeds Tykes have received a massive boost ahead of Sunday's clash with Leicester Tigers at Headingley, kick off 2.30pm, with the news that captain Mike Shelley is fit and available for selection.
Shelley has not played since the opening day defeat against Bath when he broke his thumb, however successful surgery has seen Shelley return after just four weeks out. With six players away on World Cup duty and up to ten players out injured at one point, Shelley's return will be a huge lift to his team as they look to maintain their impressive record against Leicester at Headingley.
Commenting on his come back Shelley said: "It's great to be back in contention again. Games against Leicester are always amongst the highlights of the season and it will be good to be back for that. If you can have a good injury, a broken thumb is probably it.
I have been able to do lots of fitness work and conditioning without having to spend much time on the treatment table because it is just a question of giving it time to heal. Leicester will be extremely tough this Sunday. They have lost players to the World Cup but they still have internationals throughout the team and they will want to get the better of us."
In the two previous meetings between the two sides in the Zurich Premiership at Headingley, Leeds have won 26-13 last season and 37-16 in the previous year.
ENDS