After disclosing the nature of the injury that kept him out of action last week, Kai O’Donnell, a standout for the Leigh Leopards, is adamant that he is fit to play in their crucial Super League play-off semi-final against Wigan on Saturday.
O’Donnell was doubtful of Leigh’s thrilling victory over Salford Red Devils due to an apparent stomach ailment. He has elaborated on what precisely transpired, though, and how a “internal issue” disqualified him.
During Leigh’s victory against St Helens in the penultimate round of the regular season, O’Donnell had a heavy blow to the back that caused him to have blood in his urine due to a significant touch with his kidney.
Specialists declared him ineligible for play last week, but he is confident he is “on the right track” to be cleared this week and play for the Leopards against their local rivals in the Super League Grand Final.
He disclosed: “Last week, I had an inside problem that resulted in some blood in my urinal. It’s been a little hit or miss there as I’ve had to take the appropriate precautions, but overall, I feel okay and like I could have participated. It
It’s a little offensive; after giving me a blow to the kidney, he practically shoved me in the back! I kind of felt it once I started jogging, but it just seemed like a decent contact.
“I meet with a specialist early next week, and they will advise me on how to pass. However, I’ve stopped urinating blood, so everything is going OK.
With the North Queensland Cowboys offering him a two-year contract to return to the NRL in 2025, O’Donnell is nearing the end of his Leigh career.
However, he acknowledges that the Leopards, who signed him when he was “at a down stage,” deserve a great deal of credit for helping him rebuild his career. O’Donnell stated that Leigh will always remain
“I’m really thankful to the boys for finishing the job because I was pretty desperate to play because I didn’t want to have played my last game for the club,” he remarked. “I think the term I’m looking for is relieved, yet I was stressed out during the week.
“I enjoy watching other teams, but when it’s my team, I want to support my teammates. I detest watching my team.” This is something I will really miss. I adore this place, and Leigh has greatly benefited my professional life.
“Under Lammy and Chris Chester, this was a bit of a lifeline for me during a bad period in Australia. I will always have a particular place in my heart for this club because of the chances they have provided me.
“I wish to end on a positive note. Playing for this club is really significant. We come from a tiny town that hasn’t had a lot of success, but right now we’re winning Challenge Cups and we did well in the Championship. I want to do the big dance to cap it off now.
