Stars return but key man's comeback delayed as Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad named v Hull FC
Two long-term casualties are set to return for Leeds Rhinos against Hull FC on Friday, but another’s comeback is on hold.
Winger Maika Sivo and forward Keenan Palasia have both been named in Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad, but second-rower James McDonnell drops out along with full-back Lachie Miller.
McDonnell was named in last week’s squad and due to be among the substitutes against Wigan Warriors, but pulled out after the final training session. That was the third game he has missed with a pectoral muscle injury.
Palasia has recovered from a foot injury and is set to feature for the first time since Leeds’ Magic Weekend win against Bradford Bulls two months ago. Sivo, who wasn’t risked against Wigan, has missed six games with a broken arm.
Miller sustained a hamstring injury last week and won’t play again this year. Winger Riley Lumb has been drafted into the squad in his place.
Former Leeds star Zak Hardaker is back in Hull’s initial squad for a farewell appearance before joining York Knights next season and James Bell returns from concussion. Ex-Rhinos prop Sam Lisone is ruled out for personal reasons and forward Ligi Sao is unavailable after failing a head injury assessment during last week’s defeat at Toulouse Olympique.
Rhinos’ 21 is: Maika Sivo, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, Keenan Palasia, Chris Hankinson, Cooper Jenkins, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell, Riley Lumb, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Fergie McCormack, Zak Lloyd, Matt Lodge, Jack Bird.
Hull’s 21 is: Harvey Barron, Davy Litten, Zak Hardaker, Lewis Martin, Jake Arthur, Aidan Sezer, Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Harvie Hill, James Bell, Tom Briscoe, Arthur Romano, Connor Bailey, Logan Moy, Matty Laidlaw, Hugo Salabio, Will Hutchinson, Lloyd Kemp, Ben Johnson, Lennon Clark, Ethan O’Neill.