Leeds fielded a total of 22 players when they beat Wakefield Trinity 41-22 on Boxing Day, but 13 members of the full-time squad were unavailable and two who did feature picked up knocks. Coach Rohan Smith has confirmed a young team will visit Bradford Bulls for Rhinos’ second warm-up match on Sunday, January 28 and an academy/reserve lineup will be on duty at Hunslet the following Friday.
Injuries-permitting, Smith plans to give a run out to his first-choice side in James Donaldson’s testimonial against Super League round two opponents Hull KR at AMT Headingley on Sunday, February 4, 12 days before the competition opener at home to Salford Red Devils. Here’s who missed the Boxing Day derby and why, plus when they could be back in action.
7. James Bentley
Second-rower Bentley has not played since suffering concussion away to Huddersfield Giants last August, but is in training and set to feature at least once in pre-season. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com
8. Rhyse Martin
The second-rower is still on leave after international duty with Papua New Guinea last autumn, but will be back in training in the new year. Photo: Leeds Rhinos
9. Sam Lisone
Had a brief spell as a substitute front-rower on Boxing Day, but was taken off because of a tight calf muscle. Photo: James Hardisty
10. Morgan Gannon
Started in the second-row against Wakefield, but failed a head injury assessment. Coach Rohan Smith said he was “in pretty good shape” after the game, but will need to complete the RFL’s concussion protocol before being cleared to play. Photo: Leeds Rhinos/Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
11. Kieran Hudson
An Achilles injury suffered last January kept the then-Castleford prop out of the entire 2023 season, but he hopes to feature in at least one of Rhinos’ remaining warm-up matches. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
12. Leon Ruan
The second-rower is still recovering from a dislocated elbow suffered away to Catalans Dragons last September. Photo: Leeds Rhinos