Reigning Super League champions Leeds Rhinos have been handed a major boost ahead of the play-offs with the news that captain Kevin Sinfield has not suffered a fracture to his cheekbone.

The goalkicking loose forward was sent for scans after hurting his cheekbone in last Friday's 18-10 win over St Helens amid fears he may need surgery.

However, further investigations on Monday revealed only soft tissue damage and, if the swelling goes down during the course of the week, Leeds say Sinfield could be available for Friday's trip to Salford for the last match of the regular season.

Coach Brian McClennan said, "We are all pleased for Kevin that the injury is not as severe as we first feared. He has seen the specialists and thankfully the news is good.

"Kevin is likely to be in our 19-man squad for the trip to Salford but we will make a decision later in the week as to whether we decide to give him a rest or not this week."

Leeds still have a trio of disciplinary worries, however, with Keith Senior, Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Kylie Leuluai all facing the Rugby League's disciplinary committee on Tuesday on charges arising out of the fiery clash with St Helens.