After being relatively healthy all year, Rhinos will make the short trip to Castleford Tigers on Sunday without four first-choice players. Winger Ryan Hall and prop Keenan Palasia are missing for the second successive game - both with a foot injury - and centre/captain Ash Handley (appendicitis) and hooker Jarrod O’Connor (concussion) drop out from the team which won at Catalans Dragons last weekend.
Rhinos will be able to replace Handley with a straight swap, but coach Brad Arthur has a decision to make over the fourth spot on Leeds’ bench. Here’s how Rhinos could line up.
13. Second-row: Chris Hankinson
Set for a 13th successive start in his new role. Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
14. Loose-forward: Kallum Watkins
Rhinos have been managing the veteran's game time, but it’ll be a surprise if he doesn’t start on Sunday. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
15. Sub: Cameron Smith
On form he deserves a start, but offers big impact off the bench. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
16. Sub: Presley Cassell
Will certainly keep his place in the 17, probably coming off the bench again. Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
17. Sub: Tom Holroyd
A definite option to start, but the big prop has been in cracking form as an impact replacement. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
18. Sub: Tom Nicholson-Watton
The rookie prop was 18th man last week and has been waiting for a chance. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com