2 return as Leeds Rhinos squad named for huge clash v St Helens
Two first-choice players have been recalled to Leeds Rhinos’ initial squad for Thursday’s huge home showdown with St Helens.
Prop Tom Holroyd returns to Leeds’ 21 after a back problem kept him out of the 52-0 hammering of Huddersfield Giants two weeks ago. Centre Jack Bird has missed Rhinos’ last two games following minor knee surgery but is also back in contention.
Youngsters Zak Lloyd and Jacob Hardy, who have yet to make their first team debut, drop out. Full-back Lachie Miller will serve the second game of his three-match ban.
Saints coach Paul Rowley has made two changes to his 21 following the 30-10 loss at Castleford Tigers last time out. Forward Noah Stephens failed a head injury assessment during that game and is ruled out along with scrum-half Jackson Hastings who begins a two-match suspension. Prop Alfie Sinclair and half-back George Whitby replace them in the initial squad.
Rhinos’ 21 man squad is: Maika Sivo, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, 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, Danny Levi, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Fergus McCormack, Jack Bird.
Saints’ 21 is: Jack Welsby, Kyle Feldt, Harry Robertson, Mark Percival, Deon Cross, Tristan Sailor, Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Curtis Sironen, Shane Wright, David Klemmer, George Delaney, Matt Whitley, George Whitby, Lewis Murphy, Joe Shorrocks, Owen Dagnall, Jake Davies, Alfie Sinclair, Tom Humphreys.