Leeds Rhinos: McGuire could return for derby clash with Tigers

McGuire suffered a knee injury in Rhinos’ opening fixture of the campaign and made a two-game return last month before being ruled out again, due to a quad problem.

He has been included in Rhinos;’ initial 19-man squad for this week and has given himself an “80-20 chance” of playing.

Prop Brad Singleton, who was 18th man last week, is also in contention, along with the 17 players beaten 36-22 at Huddersfield Giants in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

Tigers are set to field a stronger squad than the one which beat Salford Red Devils 32-18 in the Cup last Saturday.

Luke Gale (hamstring) is included after missing that game, long-term casualty Luke Dorn could make his comeback and Paddy Flynn, signed on loan from Widnes Vikings until the end of the season, is in contention to make his debut.

Will Maher is also included, with Ryan Hampshire and Jy Hitchcox dropping out.

Nathan Massey keeps his place, despite suffering a dislocated kneecap against Salford.

Thursday’s game will be refereed by Richard Silverwood.

Leeds Rhinos’ 19-man squad is: Hardaker, Watkins, McGuire, Burrow, Galloway, Cuthbertson, Jones-Buchanan, Sutcliffe, Singleton, Garbutt, Keinhorst, Achurch, Mullally, Walters, Handley, Golding, Lilley, Ferres, L Briscoe.

Castleford Tigers 19 is: Cook, Crooks, Dorn, Flynn, Gale, Jewitt, Maher, Massey, McMeeken, McShane, Millington, Milner, Moors, Monaghan, Patrick, Springer, Solomona, Tickle, Webster.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (Mirfield).