Leeds Rhinos' Alex Mellor given Challenge Cup final green light

Mellor was left out of the squad for tonight’s rearranged visit of Hull FC after being hurt in the Cup semi-final win over Wigan Warriors five days ago.

He is replaced by the cup-tied Bodene Thompson in the only change to Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad, which also includes last week’s unused reserves Jack Walker, Adam Cuthbertson, Alex Sutcliffe and Luke Briscoe.

“He has got sore ribs,” Agar said of Mellor. “Rather than getting him jabbed up this week, Bodene Thompson is fit and a good player. We will give Alex a rest and stop him feeling that little bit of soreness he felt last week, but he will be fine and good to go and will train fully next week.”

Agar has named his strongest-available 21 for tonight’s game, when Rhinos will take on Hull after an outbreak of coronavirus at original opponents Castleford Tigers.

He said: “It is a game we feel is vitally important for a number of factors – our challenge for the top-four and it is against fierce rivals.

“There is also the matter of guys playing and keeping themselves in form to try and lockdown a spot and hopefully go into the final with some great confidence.”

Agar confirmed he plans to field a fringe side away to Warrington Wolves on Tuesday, four days before the Cup final. He is hopeful none of the Wembley team will play in the league game, but admitted that is dependent on injuries and players avoiding suspensions.

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