Even though Kai O’Donnell had to spend half of his week peeing blood after discovering the severity of a terrible injury, he is adamant that he would be ready for Leigh Leopards’ semi-final matchup with Wigan Warriors.

Star back-rower Leigh’s missed the quarter-final match against Salford Red Devils due to a renal injury that caused serious internal problems. Earlier this month, in the latter minutes of their crucial match, O’Donnell was the victim of a bone-crunching tackle from Saints star Sione Mata’utia.

O’Donnell tore his kidney due to the power of the tackle, causing him a great deal of anguish and a few “gross” trips to the bathroom.

Nevertheless, the Australian insisted on being given the go-ahead to participate in the match and, despite missing it due to medical advice, he says he will be ready to play when the Leopards play the reigning champs on Saturday.

According to O’Donnell, “I feel good, really good,” Rugby League Live reported. “Last week, I had an intestinal problem that resulted in some blood in my poop. It’s a little graphic; after giving me a blow to the kidney, he practically smacked me across the back! I kind of felt it once I started jogging, but it just seemed like a decent contact.

It’s been a little touch and go there as I’ve had to take the proper precautions, but I feel fine and like I could have played. This was a last-minute call, so we had to wait to find out what the best course of action was from some experts.”

Although O’Donnell hasn’t received the go-ahead to play just yet, he is optimistic that things are moving in the right way.

“Things are going well because I’ve stopped urinating blood,” O’Donnell stated. “I see a specialist early next week and they’ll tell me what I need to do to pass.”

O’Donnell is aware that his time with the team is drawing to an end, regardless of when Leigh’s season finishes at Old Trafford—this week or seven days from now. After performing well with the Leopards, he was able to secure a return to the NRL, inking a contract with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2025.

Leigh is anxious to leave the club with a trophy to further elevate his status, having won one in each of his two prior seasons. His victory over Salford has guaranteed him a chance to retire in style.

“I’m very thankful to the boys for finishing the job; I was pretty desperate to play because I didn’t want to have played my last game for the club.” I think relieved is the term I’m looking for, yet I was stressed out during the week.

“I’m going to really miss this. 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 as I was going through a rough patch 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.”