Leeds Rhinos coach Richard Agar relieved as Covid tests come back clear ahead of Challenge Cup final

And he admitted he has sympathy for Coral Challenge Cup final opponents Salford Red Devils, who have lost two players for Saturday’s showpiece following positive tests.

“We have come back all clear,” Agar said.

“I feel for Salford, the kids concerned and the organisation.

“We have been through it, to lose players for the Challenge Cup final is a bit of a tragedy.

“But we will prepare for the best version of Salford. This could galvanise them.”

Agar included several players who could feature in his Cup final lineup when Leeds lost 32-6 at Warrington Wolves yesterday.

Full-back Jack Walker, props Tom Holroyd and Adam Cuthbertson and loose-forward Cameron Smith were all included in an otherwise young team and Agar confirmed: “One or two of them will play [at Wembley].”

Last night’s defeat dropped Leeds into fourth place in Betfred Super League, but Rhinos’makeshift side trailed only 8-6 at half-time and 14 of Warrington’s points came in the last 10 minutes.

Agar said: “Again, I thought our effort, determination and commitment was incredible.

“There was a bit more pass and cutting edge in the other team.

“We had a couple of backs drop out late and some players out of position who hadn’t trained much together.

“At 6-6 when they took a shot at goal I think that was a moral victory for us.”

He added: “It is understandable the guys tired in the last 15 minutes, I can understand why the tempo of the game got away.

“But I am really proud of them and we learned a lot about our young kids.

“They backed up on what they did against Catalans two weeks ago and improved on that showing.”

Agar singled Jack Broadbent, Jarrod O’Connor, Sam Walters and Liam Tindall out for praise, alongside more experienced players Bodene Thompson and Rhys Evans.

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Thank you

Laura Collins