Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad: rookies called up as 10 miss Challenge Cup tie at Widnes Vikings
Leeds Rhinos’ first 21-man squad of the new campaign has been named by coach Brad Arthur.
Five players without a 2026 squad number are included in the initial group for Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup third round tie at Widnes Vikings. As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, full-back Lachie Miller and scrum-half Jake Connor are rested and winger Maika Sivo, centres Ash Handley and Max Simpson, outside-backs Chris Hankinson and Alfie Edgell, second-row James McDonnell, and props Keenan Palasia and Jeremiah Mata’utia all miss out due to injury.
Simpson and Edgell are on the long-term casualty list, but the others are expected to be available within the next few weeks. Reigning academy player of the year George Brown is set to make his debut at either full-back or in the halves and fellow rookies half-back Fergie McCormack, centre Oscar Brown, outside-back Harley Thomas, and forward Jacob Stead have been drafted into the 21 for the first time.
Off-season signings Ethan O’Neill - who could be an option for the halves - and hooker Danny Levi are also in contention for their debut. Rhinos’ 21 is: Harry Newman, Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O'Connor, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, Cooper Jenkins, Ethan O'Neill, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell, Riley Lumb, Danny Levi, Ned McCormack, Ben Littlewood , Tom Nicholson-Watton, George Brown, Fergie McCormack, Oscar Brown, Harley Thomas, Jacob Stead.