Big names return as Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad named for crunch Super League clash with Wigan Warriors

As expected, winger Maika Sivo and James McDonnell return to the 21 after long-term injury. Hooker Danny Levi, who was a substitute in last Friday’s win at St Helens, has rejoined the casualty list and winger Riley Lumb drops out of the initial group.

Sivo has missed Rhinos’ last five games with a broken arm and speaking earlier this week Arthur said it is more likely he will return for the final game of the regular season, at home to Hull FC on Friday, September 11. A pectoral muscle injury has kept McDonnell out of the past two and Arthur confirmed he will also be available next week if he doesn’t play against Wigan.

The only change to the visitors’ 21 sees England forward Junior Nsemba, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, return in place of Josh Cartwright. Saturday’s game at AMT Headingley will be refereed by Liam Moore and broadcast live via Sky Sports. The winners will go into the final round with a two-point advantage at the top of Betfred Super League.

Rhinos’ 21 is: Lachie Miller, Maika Sivo, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, James McDonnell, Chris Hankinson, Cooper Jenkins, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Fergie McCormack, Zak Lloyd, Matt Lodge, Jack Bird.

Wigan’s initial squad is: Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kaide Ellis, Sam Walters, Patrick Mago, Oliver Partington, Sam Eseh, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, George O’Loughlin, Austin Daniel, Shea O’Connor