James Bentley is suspended, Luis Roberts, who was also among the substitutes for last week’s defeat at Castleford Tigers, has been omitted from Rhinos’ initial squad and Kruise Leeming drops out of the 21 ahead of his impending move to Gold Coast Titans
Coach Rohan Smith revealed there has been some illness in the camp this week and several “bumps and bruises” from the derby setback, while Wakefield Trinity’s request to take full-back Luke Hooley on a short-term loan was turned down.
Hooley, winger Liam Tindall and stand-off/scrum-half Jack Sinfield have been drafted into the provisional squad, which hints at possible changes in the outside-backs or pivots.
Corey Johnson, 18th man at the Jungle, could cover at hooker and Sam Walters and James Donaldson – who were unused reserves last week – remain in contention to bolster the middle-unit. Here’s how Rhinos might line up.
7. Scrum-half: Aidan Sezer
Half-back Jack Sinfield is in the initial 21, but Sezer is unlikely to be dropped. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
8. Prop: Tom Holroyd
Like nearly everyone, will need to imperove this week, but has done well enough overall this year to keep his place. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
10. Prop: Zane Tetevano
Sam Walters is snapping at his heels, but tetevano will probably get another go. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
11. Second-row: James McDonnell
Deserves a fourth straight start. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
12. Second-row: Rhyse Martin
Could move to centre if there's a reshuffle in the three-quarters, but otherwise a fit and healthy Martin starts in the second-row. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com