Leeds Rhinos news: 21-man squad named for Super League showdown v Huddersfield Giants
Leeds Rhinos will be close to full-strength for Friday’s game at revitalised Huddersfield Giants.
Coach Brad Arthur has made just one change to the 21-man squad named ahead of Rhinos’ derby win against Bradford Bulls two weeks ago, with prop Tom Nicholson-Watton coming in to replace England centre Harry Newman.
Newman, who hasn’t featured in Leeds’ past two games, is fit and will feature on loan for Hull FC against St Helens tomorrow (Thursday).
Presley Cassell, who played a game on loan with Giants last month and was 18th man for Leeds against Bradford, retains his place in the initial group, along with fellow forwards Ethan O’Neill and Jeremiah Mata’utia. The only members of Rhinos’ full-time squad ruled out because of injury are rookies Alfie Edgell, Max Simpson and George Brown.
Giants’ acting-coach Liam Finn has made two changes to his 21 following the home win against York Knights at Easter. Harry Rushton and Sam Halsall are back in contention after injury, but Connor Wrench has a “slight strain” and Jacob Alger also drops out.
Rhinos’ 21 is: Lachie Miller, Maika Sivo, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, James McDonnell, Keenan Palasia, Chris Hankinson, Cooper Jenkins, Ethan O'Neill, Cameron Smith, Jeremiah Mata’utia, Presley Cassell, Danny Levi, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Jack Bird.
Giants’ initial squad is: Niall Evalds, Adam Swift, Jacob Gagai, Taane Milne, Sam Halsall, Tui Lolohea, Adam Clune, Tristan Powell, Zac Woolford, Tom Burgess, Asher O’Donnell, Harry Rushton, Fenton Rogers, George King, Kieran Rush, Mathieu Cozza, Jack Billington, Chris Patolo, Tanguy Zenon, Oliver Russell, Jacob Douglas.