Kyle Eastmond will make his Leeds Rhinos debut against Wigan Warriors this week coach Richard Agar says - and club to challenge possible three-five-game ban for Zane Tetevano

Agar also says Rhinos will challenge the grade D charge issued to forward Zane Tetevano - who was sent off in last Saturday’s defeat by St Helens - when he appears before the RFL disciplinary committee today.

Eastmond signed for Rhinos last month. Having begun his career at St Helens, he switched to rugby union a decade ago and started the 2019-20 season at Leicester Tigers, but has not played for more than a year.

Agar - who will name an initial 21-man squad today - has been keen to ensure he is fully ready before being thrown back into Betfred Super League action.

Tetevano was dismissed by referee Ben Thaler for an alleged late challenge on Theo Fages early in the second half of last weekend’s defeat.

The RFL’s match review panel has issued a grade D charge, which carried a ban of three to five matches and Agar confirmed: “We will be challenging that.”

Leeds will be without King Vuniyayawa who was knocked out three minutes into his debut as a substitute against Saints and is unable to play under the sport’s concussion rules.

Agar said: “He’s fine, just gutted he didn’t last long. I thought he started promisingly, his carries looked strong.”

The coach said a late call will be made on Liam Sutcliffe (knee) and Bodene Thompson (ribs) after they were ruled out of the Cup tie.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.