Leeds Rhinos captain in Las Vegas race against time: 3 places up for grabs in squad v Hull KR
Three places are up for grabs on Leeds Rhinos’ flight to Las Vegas.
Coach Brad Arthur confirmed the 17 players on duty in Friday’s 46-14 win against York Knights will make the trip to America to face Hull KR at Allegiant Stadium next Saturday. Captain Ash Handley, who is hoping to be available following injury, will also travel as part of a 21-man squad.
Presley Cassell, George Brown, Ben Littlewood, Riley Lumb, Ned McCormack and Fergus McCormack - who all have a first team squad number and have featured in the senior side this year - are due to play for Rhinos’ reserves in their opening fixture against Wakefield Trinity at Stanningley today (Saturday). Speaking after the defeat of York, Arthur said: “We are taking 21, so the 17 that played tonight and I’ll go and watch the reserve grade tomorrow.
“I have got a few guys in mind and I’ll see how they go. I want them to understand that they’ve got to play for selection. I have got a fair idea of who they are, but I have got to see them play well tomorrow.”
Handley has missed Rhinos’ opening three games of the season because of a groin injury, but Arthur said: “Ash will be going [to Vegas]. He got through training really well today and he has a very good chance for next week.”