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.
13. Loose-forward:
Captain, reigning player of the year and one of the first names on the teamsheet. Photo: Simon Hulme
14. Sub: Jarrod O’Connor
Hasn’t missed a game under Rohan Smith and can cover the back-row as well as hooker. Photo: Steve Riding
15. Sub: Justin Sangare
Likely to continue as an impact sub this year. Photo: Steve Riding
16. Sub: James Bentley
Hasn’t played since suffering concussion last August, but it's expected he will get at least one pre-season run out to prove his fitness. Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com
17. Sub: Mickael Goudemand
With Lisone ruled out, the new signing from Catalans Dragons could be included as a replacement 'middle'. He started at prop on Boxing Day. Photo: James Hardisty