Big boost for Leeds Rhinos as 3 key players return to 21-man squad v Hull KR

New coach Brad Arthur has named centre Harry Newman and forwards James Bentley and James Donaldson in his initial squad for Saturday’s clash at AMT Headingley. Prop or back-rower Donaldson has not played a first team game since Rhinos’ Betfred Super League round two loss at Hull KR in February, but made his comeback from a neck injury in the reserves last week.

If selected, it will be second-rower Bentley’s first appearance since he failed a head injury assessment during Rhinos’ win at Castleford Tigers on March 28. A foot injury kept Newman out of last Thursday’s defeat away to Warrington Wolves.

Rhinos are without forward Mickael Goudemand (shoulder) and centre Ned McCormack (hamstring) because of injuries suffered at Warrington. Rookie second-rower Ben Littlewood drops out of the 21 and has been dual-registered with Halifax Panthers for Sunday’s Championship visit of Widnes Vikings, along with prop Tom Nicholson-Watton - who is in Leeds’ Saturday squad - and hooker Corey Johnson.

Rhinos’ 21-man squad is: Lachie Miller, David Fusitu'a, Harry Newman, Paul Momirovski, Ash Handley, Brodie Croft, Matt Frawley, Mikolaj Oledzki, Andy Ackers, James Bentley, Rhyse Martin, Cameron Smith, Jarrod O'Connor, Sam Lisone, James McDonnell, Jack Sinfield, Luis Roberts, James Donaldson, Alfie Edgell, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Sam Eseh.