Lung clot places Jones-Bishop on the sidelines but Leeds winger 
is backed to recover completely

The England Knights star, who scored 23 tries last year, is undergoing treatment following the discovery of a ‘pulmonary embolism’ during pre-season training.

The condition can be life-threatening, but the 24-year-old has been assured there is no such danger in this instance.

He has, though, been advised to avoid all contact training for the next three months at least and then faces the arduous task of regaining full 
fitness before returning for the 
Super League champions.

Medical staff remain confident Jones-Bishop – who hopes to play for England in the World Cup this autumn – will complete a full recovery as have some of his peers who have endured similar problems in recent times.

Castleford Tigers winger Kirk Dixon suffered a blood clot in his lung after a calf tear failed to heal properly in 2009, but completed a successful comeback after nine months on the sidelines.

Only last year, Hull KR’s Blake Green underwent surgery after a blood clot was found in his calf, but the Australian, too, returned to recapture his best form.

Indeed, the stand-off was playing again in barely three months and soon earned himself a major transfer to Wigan Warriors.

Leeds, meanwhile, begin the defence of their title just four weeks tomorrow when Hull FC arrive at Headingley Carnegie.

But Jones-Bishop, who scored in the Grand Final triumph over Warrington Wolves, will be absent until at least April, therefore missing next month’s World Club Challenge against NRL premiers Melbourne Storm.

He showed his prowess in last year’s victory, grabbing a try in the win over Australian champions Manly Sea Eagles, and was eager to enhance further his growing reputation.

“It is obviously disappointing to miss the start of the season, but I am looking forward now and doing everything I can to get back as soon as I can once I am given the all clear,” said the Yorkshireman.

“I’m only able to do very light training at the minute and I’ll have another scan in a couple of weeks to see if I can increase that.

“But I know I have to avoid contact for three months at least.

“It is a relief to get it diagnosed and get treatment and to know that it is not a life-threatening condition.

“Generally, I am in good health, but as a sportsman you need to resolve these issues as soon as possible to make sure that you can perform to your maximum.”

Leeds Rugby’s head of medical services Dr Jon Greenwell said: “The condition was picked up by the medical and strength and conditioning staff during pre-season training and Ben was sent to see a specialist prior to Christmas.

“He has had a pulmonary embolism which has led to him needing treatment for three months.

“A consequence of that treatment is that he cannot play rugby until after the treatment is completed and he has been given the all clear by his specialist.

“Ben is still in light training but under advice from the specialist he’s unable to play for three months. We’re confident treatment will resolve the problem.”

Jones-Bishop is deemed one of the country’s most exciting prospects after emerging through the Academy with his hometown club.

England coach Steve McNamara drafted him into his Four Nations squad in 2011 and, though he is yet to debut, he is currently part of the elite training squad.

Fast, elusive and skilled, Jones-Bishop is a potent finisher with 37 tries in 57 games for the club.

It is no surprise, given yesterday’s announcement, that Leeds last week signed Australian trialist Joe Vickery, who is now likely to step straight in for him.

“It is a real shame for Ben that he will miss the start,” said Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott.

“He finished the season in great form and was a big player for us in our big games last season.

“We’ve no major long-term concerns this will impact on Ben’s career and he’ll receive the best possible care over the next three months to make sure he can resume playing.”

RFL move to prevent clubs imploding: Page 21.