Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Wildcats name strong squads for Boxing Day derby

New Rhinos signing Keith Galloway at Headingley Carnegie Stadium

Ten of Leeds Rhinos’ Grand Final-winning team will feature against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge at Headingley on Boxing Day.

Australian recruits Beau Falloon and Keith Galloway will both make their debut and academy prospects Ryan Jones, Cameron Smith, Josh Jordan Roberts and Mikolaj Oledski are included on an eight-man bench.

Rhinos will be without England trio Zak Hardaker, Ryan Hall and Kallum Watkins, but Jimmy Keinhorst, Joel Moon, Tom Briscoe, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Adam Cuthbertson, Josh Walters, Carl Ablett, Brad Singleton and Mitch Garbutt - who all featured in the Old Trafford win over Wigan Warriors two months ago - are due to play.

Rhinos coach Brian McDermott said: “Pre-season training has been going well and we are in a good position to name a strong team for Boxing Day.

“I am sure our fans will be keen to see Keith and Beau in action for the first time.”

Wakefield coach Brian Smith has included recruits Ben Jones-Bishop, Liam Finn, Tinirau Arona and Anthony England in a 17-man squad.

“The game will be a good test to see where we are at with the squad and where we go afterwards,” Smith said.

“There is still a long time to go before the Super League season so we have time to switch things if needed.”

Rhinos’ team is: Ashton Golding, Ash Handley, Jimmy Keinhorst, Joel Moon, Tom Briscoe, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Keith Galloway, Beau Falloon, Adam Cuthbertson, Josh Walters, Carl Ablett, Brad Singleton. Subs Jordan Lilley, Mitch Garbutt, Mitch Achurch, Jordan Baldwinson, Ryan Jones, Cameron Smith, Josh Jordan Roberts, Mikolaj Oledski.

Wildcats’ squad is: from Scott Anderson, Chris Annakin, Tinirau Arona, Joe Arundel, Matty Ashurst, Anthony England, Liam Finn, Ben Jones-Bishop, Tom Johnstone, Reece Lyne, Danny Kirmond, Jacob Miller, Scott Moore, Nick Scruton, Michael Sio, Jordan Tansey, Bill Tupou.