Full-back Lachie Miller and winger Ryan Hall have been left out of Leeds’ initial squad, joining centre Ash Handley, scrum-half Jake Connor and outside-backs Alfie Edgell and Ethan Clark-Wood on the casualty list. That leaves Rhinos without a specialist full-back in their 21-man squad.
Hooker Andy Ackers - who was 18th man for last week’s home loss to Catalans Dragons - is another absentee, but coach Brad Arthur has a near full-strength pack to select from, the exception being loose-forward Cameron Smith. With Tom Nicholson-Watton available after injury and Ben Littlewood and Joe Shorrocks also in the 21, Arthur has the option of resting some of his first-choice forwards ahead of next weekend’s elimination play-off. Here’s how Rhinos could line up.
7. Stand-off: Brodie Croft
Below-par last week, despite a try and assist, but this is a good opportunity to bounce back. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
8. Scrum-half: Jack Sinfield
Set for a second successive game during Jack Connor’s injury layoff. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
9. Prop: Mikolaj Oledzki
Set for a fourth successive appearance following his return from injury. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
10. Hooker: Jarrod O'Connor
With Andy Ackers ruled out, O’Connor looks certain to keep the role this week. Photo: Tony Johnson
11. Prop: Cooper Jenkins
Had a decent game last week and merits keeping his place. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
12. Second-row: James McDonnell
Ever-present this season and it’ll be a surprise if that changes on Friday. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe