Two first-choice players are back in Leeds Rhinos’ 21-man squad for Friday’s huge game at St Helens.

Hooker Danny Levi is included for the first time since suffering a neck injury in the defeat at Castleford Tigers six weeks ago. There’s also a recall for centre Jack Bird after a concussion kept him out of last Sunday’s away win against York Knights.

Scrum-half Jake Connor (calf muscle) and forward Cameron Smith (quad) are both included in the initial group despite failing to finish the game three days ago. Outside-back Oscar Brown and prop Jeremiah Mata’utia - who didn’t feature in the 17 at York - drop out.

Danny Levi, left and Jack Bird are back in Leeds Rhinos' 21 for Friday's game at St Helens. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

There are also two changes to Saints’ 21. Jonny Lomax joins the squad in place of scrum-half Jackson Hastings who is beginning a three-match ban following his red card against Castleford Tigers. Forward David Klemmer is back in contention after a rib injury and Oscar Knox, who didn’t play last week, makes way.

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

St Helens 21-man squad: Jack Welsby, Harry Robertson, Mark Percival, Deon Cross, Tristan Sailor, Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley, Shane Wright, David Klemmer, Jacob Host, Joe Shorrocks, Nene Macdonald, Jacob Douglas, Jake Davies, Tom Humphreys, Cole Marsh, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Billy Keeley, Matty Evans, Chris Matagi, Jack Campbell.