Leeds Rhinos news: stars return as 21-man squads named for Challenge Cup tie at Wakefield Trinity
Leeds Rhinos could be at full strength for Friday’s knockout derby at Wakefield Trinity.
Rhinos’ one-17 are all included in their initial squad for the Betfred Challenge Cup fourth round tie. Stand-off Brodie Croft, who missed last Sunday’s 22-4 win against Castleford Tigers with a hamstring injury, returns in place of Ned McCormack in the only change to the 21.
England prop Mikolaj Oledzki, who hasn’t played for more than a month because of damaged ribs, could make his comeback and second-row James McDonnell is included after sitting out the Castleford game with a back problem. Centre and captain Ash Handley was replaced in the first half last Sunday due to a minor groin injury but continues in the 21 and Australian signing Jack Bird is in contention for his debut.
England winger Tom Johnstone is in Trinity’s initial squad for the first time this year. He has been sidelined since suffering knee damage in pre-season training, but replaces hamstring victim Mason Lino who is set to miss a fourth successive game. That is the only change to Trinity’s 21 as 2025 NRL Grand Final winner Tyson Smoothy remains on the casualty list with a concussion.
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, Keenan Palasia, Chris Hankinson, Cooper Jenkins, Ethan O'Neill, Cameron Smith, Jeremiah Mata’utia, Danny Levi, George Brown, Jack Bird.
Wakefield’s initial squad is: Max Jowitt, Oliver Pratt, Cameron Scott, Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Mike McMeeken, Ky Rodwell, Seth Nikotemo, Matty Storton, Jazz Tevaga, Jay Pitts, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili, Harvey Smith, Isaiah Vagana, Jack Sinfield, Jayden Myers, Josh Rourke, Tray Lolesio, Will Tate.