Zak Hardaker has been told that he may miss the World Club Challenge after injuring his thumb while playing in the Super League this weekend.
The Leeds Rhinos fullback will have an X-ray on his hand after sustaining the damage in the 42-14 win over Salford City Reds on Friday evening.
Coach Brian McDermott told Sky Sports News: "He had a bang to the thumb. He needs anXx-ray and that's not looking good. He will have his X-ray over the weekend but he can't use his thumb at the moment.
"I'm a realist and at this stage it's not looking good. We have a few options at full-back. We will have a look at some stuff, but Kallum Watkins is a likely option at this stage."
The Super League champions will also be without Ryan Bailey for the match against Australian champions Melbourne Storm, after he underwent knee surgery.
