Prop Sam Lisone has undergone surgery to repair a damaged thumb and will miss the season-opener at AMT Headingley in four weeks’ time, on Friday, February 16. Leeds have a doubt over Tom Holroyd (knee) and another front-rower, new signing Kieran Hudson, has yet to make his comeback from an Achilles injury suffered a year ago.
Coach Rohan Smith hopes Holroyd and second-rower James Bentley (concussion) will both feature in one of Rhinos’ two remaining pre-season matches. Back-rower Morgan Gannon is confident of being given the all-clear following a concussion suffered against Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day. Here’s how Rhinos could line up for the Salford match.
7. Scrum-half: Matt Frawley
Has apparently impressed in training and went well against Wakefield on Boxing Day. Photo: Steve Riding
8. Prop: Mikolaj Oledzki
Missed the Boxing Day game because of illness, but is in full training and looking for a big year. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
9. Hooker: Andy Ackers
There’s strong competition from Jarrod O’Connor, but Ackers has been brought in from Salford as Leeds’ starting hooker. Photo: James Hardisty
10. Prop: Tom Holroyd
Still recovering from a knee problem suffered at the end of last season, but if he’s available Rhinos’ new number 10 is likely to start. Photo: Leeds Rhinos
11. Second-row: James McDonnell
There's strong competition, but the Ireland international is the man in possession after establishing himself in the starting second-row last year. Photo: Steve Riding
12. Second-row:
Rhyse Martin Is expected to return to his specialist position after spending much of the 2023 campaign as a stand-in centre. Photo: Simon Hulme