Leeds Rhinos: Ablett will miss derby after being hit by ban

SECOND-ROW FORWARD Carl Ablett will miss Leeds Rhinos' derby at Castleford Tigers tomorrow as he serves a one-game ban.
Carl AblettCarl Ablett
Carl Ablett

Ablett was found guilty of making grade B contact – which he denied – with referee Chris Campbell in last Friday’s win over Salford Red Devils.

Meanwhile, Rhinos have loaned half-back Cory Aston to their dual-registration partner club Featherstone Rovers and extended a similar deal which took four other players to Bradford Bulls.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Aston joined Rhinos from Sheffield Eagles at the end of last season, but has yet to make his competitive debut. Rovers coach Jon Sharp said: “Cory is an extremely talented player with a big future in the game.

“He will benefit from being out on the field more often and we are competing at high level, which will only further raise his game.”

Half-back Jordan Lilley and forwards Josh Jordan-Roberts, Mikolaj Oledzki and Sam Hallas all joined Bulls before their opening Kingstone Press Championship fixture four weeks ago. Having completed their initial month, Rhinos can now recall the players whenever required.

Coach Brian McDermott told Rhinos’ website: “All four young players have a great opportunity to develop their skills during their time at the Bulls.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are constantly monitoring and reviewing their performances with them and if they are required for the first team we know they are ready to go.

“We will do the right thing by Bradford and make sure we give them as much notice as we can before recalling the players, but for now they are learning some great lessons in the Bulls camp and most importantly getting valuable game time.”

Tigers will be without former Man of Steel Rangi Chase tomorrow after he was dropped over an unspecified matter.

In a statement, Tigers chief executive Steve Gill said the stand-off has been part of an “investigation that has been dealt with internally by the club”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Paul McShane is set to return for Tigers after completing a one-match ban and fellow former Leeds forward Alex Foster is in the running to make his debut.

Will Maher, who has been playing on dual-registration for Batley Bulldogs, is also in contention.