Leeds Rhinos star to miss Castleford Tigers derby but big name returns as 21-man squads confirmed
Leeds Rhinos will be without a star man for Sunday’s visit of Castleford Tigers, but another big name is set to return and a new signing could make his debut.
Stand-off Brodie Croft has a hamstring injury and drops out of Rhinos’ initial squad. Prop Mikolaj Oledzki could make his maiden Betfred Super League appearance of 2025 after recovering from damaged ribs and utility-player Jack Bird, signed from NRL club Wests Tigers last month, is included in the 21 for the first time.
Outside-back Ned McCormack has also been drafted in. Tom Nicholson-Watton and Ben Littlewood, who have joined Hunslet on a one-week loan, drop out from the group named ahead of last Saturday’s 58-6 win against Hull KR in Las Vegas.
Tigers coach Ryan Carr has made one change to the 21 he named ahead of last week’s win against Huddersfield Giants. Prop Brock Greacen is back in contention following injury and illness and replaces full-back Fletcher Rooney who has joined the long-term casualty list with a hamstring problem.
Rhinos’ 21-man squad is: Lachie Miller, Maika Sivo, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, 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, Ned McCormack, George Brown, Jack Bird.
Tigers’ 21 is: Zac Cini, Darnell McIntosh, Mikaele Ravalawa, Daejarn Asi, Tom Weaver, Renouf Atoni, Liam Hood, George Lawler, Jordan Lane, Joe Stimson, Brock Greacen, Jack Ashworth, Joe Westerman, Chris Atkin, Brad Singleton, Jason Qareqare, Krystian Mapapalangi, Sam Hall, Jimmy Beckett, Ashton Golding, George Hirst.