Leeds Rhinos second-rower James McDonnell has handed head coach Brad Arthur a massive boost after declaring himself ‘good to go’ for the Super League play-off semi-finals following a pectoral injury.

The 25-year-old forward has been sidelined since August after suffering the setback in Leeds’ Round 24 clash against Wakefield Trinity.

Speaking to BBC Radio West Yorkshire, McDonnell opened up on his rehabilitation process and his absolute determination not to let that Wakefield fixture mark his final appearance in a Leeds jersey before his move to the NRL.

‘I made a point to get back’

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Admitting the injury proved ‘a little more troublesome than we expected,’ McDonnell credited the Rhinos’ medical team and the week off during the play-off eliminator round for getting him across the finish line.

“I’m fully expecting to play, we’ve really ramped up my recovery,” McDonnell told BBC Radio West Yorkshire.

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“With the luxury of having the week off, we decided to ease back on the contact aspect of the recovery, so we eased back on it and put a plan together to get me right for that game. 

“So yeah, I’ll be playing–I’m good to go.”

With a move to join NRL expansion side Perth Bears alongside teammate Harry Newman already locked in for 2027, the forward admitted that the thought of having already played his last game for Leeds fueled his recovery drive.

“I made a point to get back and that not be my last game for Leeds,” McDonnell added.

McDonnell’s return to full fitness creates a welcome selection dilemma for head coach Brad Arthur ahead of their semi-final tie a week on Friday.

Speaking on his forward pack options, Arthur acknowledged the tough decisions ahead:

“James Mac will be back in the team, so one of our forwards is going to miss out,” Arthur explained to BBC Radio West Yorkshire. 

“I don’t like that part of it, but it’s my job. All the boys have worked hard, but that’s the fortunate position we are in.“

McDonnell’s availability adds crucial work-rate and defensive steel to the Rhinos pack as they aim to turn their second-place finish into a Grand Final appearance at Old Trafford.