Leeds Rhinos rocked by triple injury blow: here's why Jake Connor isn't in 21-man squad v Leigh Leopards

Man of Steel scrum-half Jake Connor will miss the game after suffering a knee injury at training, prop Mikolaj Oledzki is sidelined with a rib damage picked up in last week’s Betfred Challenge Cup win at Widnes Vikings and loose-forward Cameron Smith was hurt during the same game and also drops out.

Centre Ash Handley, winger Maika Sivo and forwards Jeremiah Mata’utia and Keenan Palasia remain on the casualty list, along with long-termers Max Simpson and Alfie Edgell. The good news is an earlier than expected return to the 21-man squad by second-rower James McDonnell who rolled an ankle in a pre-season game against Bradford Bulls three weeks ago.

Chris Hankinson, who can play anywhere in the backs, is also back in contention following a broken nose. Coach Brad Arthur confirmed teenager George Brown, who made his first team debut at full-back last week, will start in the halves.

Rhinos’ 21-man squad is: Lachie Miller, Harry Newman, Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft, Jarrod O’Connor, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, James McDonnell, Chris Hankinson, Cooper Jenkins, Ethan O'Neill, Presley Cassell, Riley Lumb, Danny Levi, Ned McCormack, Ben Littlewood, Tom Nicholson-Watton, George Brown, Fergie McCormack, Oscar Brown, Jacob Stead.