Leeds Rhinos winger Joe Vickery did not break his ankle while making his Super League debut in last Friday’s win over Hull FC but is still facing a spell on the sidelines due to ligament damage.

Vickery, who joined the champions from Gold Coast Titans following a successful trial period, was forced off in the first half of the Rhinos’ 36-6 opening-night victory after injuring his ankle in a tackle.

Scans have allayed fears that Vickery, who was deputising for Ben Jones-Bishop, suffered a break but the club have yet to put a timescale on his recovery.

Leeds coach Brian McDermott said: “I am pleased for Joe that it is not a fracture.

“The medical staff will work closely with him now to make sure he rehabilitates correctly and gets back out on the field as soon as he is 100%.”