As expected, two big names have dropped out of Leeds Rhinos’ initial squad for Friday’s semi-final against Warrington Wolves, but one returns - and there is a surprise inclusion.

As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Rhinos are without captain Ash Handley (back) and centre Jack Bird (hamstring) from the team which lost to Hull FC two weeks ago in the final game of the regular season. James McDonnell comes back into the 21 after five games out with a pectoral muscle injury and there is also a recall for 19-year-old stand-off George Brown.

Brown featured four times at the start of the season, but has been sidelined since suffering knee damage during a Betfred Challenge Cup defeat away to Wakefield Trinity in March. Forward Tom Nicholson-Watton, who didn’t play against Hull, drops out of the 21 and is replaced by centre Ned McCormack. Warrington’s 21 is unchanged from last week’s elimination play-off win against Hull KR.

Leeds Rhinos teenager George Brown seen on the ball against Castleford Tigers in March. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Rhinos’ 21 is: Maika Sivo, Harry Newman, Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, James McDonnell, Keenan Palasia, Chris Hankinson, Cooper Jenkins, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell, Riley Lumb, Ned McCormack, George Brown, Fergie McCormack, Zak Lloyd, Matt Lodge.

Warrington’s initial squad is: Cai Taylor-Wray, Josh Thewlis, Toby King, Albert Hopoate, Matty Ashton, George Williams, Luke Yates, Danny Walker, James Harrison, Sam Stone, Ben Currie, Sam Powell, Liam Byrne, Ewan Irwin, Leon Hayes, James Bentley, Joe Philbin, Arron Lindop, Max Wood, Josh Smith, Kelepi Tanginoa.