Latest Leeds Rhinos Challenge Cup team news as 4 set for debut v Widnes Vikings

New signing Ethan O’Neill - whose father Julian O’Neill had spells with Widnes in 1992-93 and 2003-2005 - is expected to be in the starting side, potentially playing out of position in the halves, while hooker Danny Levi will be on the bench. Coach Brad Arthur has confirmed teenager George Brown, Rhinos’ 2025 academy player of the year, will get his maiden taste of first team action and could start at full-back before switching to the halves.

Arthur revealed half-back Fergus McCormack will also feature for the first time in today's live streamed tie, after recovering from a long-term hamstring injury. His only game last year was for the reserves against Bradford Bulls in April. Rhinos’ 21-man squad includes his older brother Ned McCormack, a centre who has three first team appearances to his name.

Full-back Lachie Miller and scrum-half Jake Connor won’t be risked, six days out from Rhinos’ visit to Leigh Leopards in Betfred Super League round one. Eight first team squad members - winger Maika Sivo, centres Ash Handley and Max Simpson, outside-backs Chris Hankinson and Alfie Edgell, second-row James McDonnell, and props Keenan Palasia and Jeremiah Mata’utia - are on the casualty list.

Widnes are without centre Joe Edge (hamstring), second-row Sam Wilde (ankle) and loose-forward Nick Gregson (knee) who were all injured during last week’s 28-14 home win against North Wales Crusaders, but Welsh international winger or full-back Mike Butt returns to the squad following a muscle injury. Forward Jack Houghton and centre/second-row Kieran Taylor also come into contention.

Widnes Vikings: from Fleming, Butt, Owens, Ince, Lyons, Gilmore, Murray, Johnstone, Roberts, Fozard, L Hall, Langtree, McWhirter, Lawton, Bibby, Chapelhow, Abdull, Connell, Taylor, Houghton, Sambou.

Leeds Rhinos: from Newman, R Hall, Croft, Oledzki, O'Connor, Holroyd, Watkins, Jenkins, O'Neill, Smith, Cassell, Lumb, Levi, N McCormack, Littlewood, Nicholson-Watton, G Brown, F McCormack, O Brown, Thomas, Stead.

Referee: Liam Moore (Wigan). Kick-off: Saturday, 3pm.