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Leeds Rhinos in anxious wait on key trio
Liam Hood.
Champions Leeds Rhinos have three new injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s trip to Challenge Cup holders Wigan Warriors.
But boss Brian McDermott revealed young hooker Liam Hood could be in contention after making a quicker than expected recovery from his ankle injury.
Back-rower Jamie Jones-Buchanan limped out of last Friday’s opening 34-16 win over Hull KR with a twisted knee.
And McDermott said skipper Kevin Sinfield (calf strain) and prop Kylie Leuluai (ankle) both also picked up knocks.
All three will be assessed during the week, before McDermott names his initial 19-man squad on Thursday.
McDermott said front-rower Ian Kirke – who did not play last Friday – is likely to be available for the trip to DW Stadium after recovering from knee damage.
And he said Hood – who has yet to make his Super League debut – “might be available”, following the ankle injury he suffered in Rob Burrow’s benefit match last month.
“We all thought he’d be out for quite a few weeks, but he has recovered really well,” said the coach.
McDermott insisted he will not be thinking a week ahead when he selects his side for the Wigan game. Rhinos take on Manly Sea Eagles in the Heinz Big Soup World Club Challenge six days after the trip to Wigan, but McDermott stressed: “We have got to deal with this week’s game like it is a big game for us, which it is.
“I am not putting one above the other in importance.”
If Hood is given the all-clear, that will increase McDermott’s options at hooker. Rob Burrow – a specialist half-back – started at hooker against Hull KR, with No 9 Paul McShane coming off the bench, though he only had limited game time.
McDermott said: “I will pick a team to play a style that I think is suited for each opposition as it comes. We all realise the benefits of the certain type of game Rob has, but he is not a fish out of water playing No 7.
“There’s a few variations we can use. Paul McShane can start a game or come off the bench, as can Liam Hood. We have got a few options.”
Off-season signing Luke Briscoe is also nearing fitness after suffering a knee problem in training before Christmas.
He still qualifies for the under-18s, but may come into contention for the reserve grade’s opening fixture against Wigan this weekend, if he gets the all-clear.
Prop Ryan Bailey is set to make his 250th senior appearance for Leeds in Saturday’s game.
Meanwhile, Manly have named a full-strength squad for the World Club Challenge.
The NRL Grand Final winners’ travelling squad includes 13 of the team that defeat New Zealand Warriors 24-10 in last year’s title decider.
Coach Geoff Toovey said: “We’re going over with the right attitude. We want to win.”
Manly’s squad is: Brett Stewart, David Williams, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, Michael Oldfield, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brent Kite, Matt Ballin, Jason King, Tony Williams, Glenn Stewart, Anthony Watmough, Jamie Buhrer, Vic Mauro, Darcy Lussick, George Rose, Joe Galuvao, Ben Farrar, Dean Whare.
Meanwhile, both Rhinos’ Stobart Super League derbies against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats this season will be played on Monday nights in front of the Sky TV cameras.
Rhinos begin Sky’s Monday coverage at home to St Helens on May 21 and also feature at home to Wakefield on June 18 and in the reverse fixture on July 30.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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