Two long-term casualties will return to Leeds Rhinos’ squad for Saturday’s league leaders’ shield decider against Wigan Warriors.

But coach Brad Arthur today revealed one of his most influential forwards won’t feature this weekend and another is unlikely to play again this season. Leeds and second-placed Wigan are level on points and, though it won’t mathematically be assured, Saturday’s winners will be hot favourites to finish top of the table.

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Arthur will name a 21-man squad at noon on Thursday and speaking at his preview press conference today (Tuesday), he confirmed winger Maika Sivo and second-rower James McDonnell will both be included. Sivo, Betfred Super League’s top try scorer with 29, has not played since suffering a broken arm against Bradford Bulls on July 26.

Maika Sivo will be named in Leeds Rhinos' initial 21-man squad for Saturday's game against Wigan Warriors, coach Brad Arthur says. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Maika Sivo will be named in Leeds Rhinos' initial 21-man squad for Saturday's game against Wigan Warriors, coach Brad Arthur says. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Arthur said: “Maika has been training and going really well. He has declared himself available, but I am not sure if he is quite ready. I will name him in the 21, but I think there’s a fair chance he will play next week against Hull FC.”

Wigan-born McDonnell has missed three games with a pectoral muscle injury and Arthur continued: “James is the same, he’s keen to get out there this week. Again, he’ll be in the 21 and we’ll have to make that final decision on Thursday in regards to him, but he’ll definitely be available for round 27 against Hull FC.”

Prop/loose-forward Keenan Palasia has been ruled out of this week’s game. A foot injury has kept him sidelined for Rhinos’ last eight matches and Arthur said: “Keenan is [going to be available for] Hull FC. I think he was hopeful of this week; it was always going to be a tough stretch, he has done everything possible, but for one week, the risk is too high.”

Hooker Danny Levi made a brief return as a substitute in last Friday’s 34-6 win at St Helens after five weeks on the casualty list with a neck injury. He lasted only 13 minutes and won’t be available against Wigan.

James McDonnell could return from injury when Leeds Rhinos face Wigan Warriors on Saturday. Picture by Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com.

Levi is due to see a specialist and Arthur revealed: “He has still got a little bit of nerve sensation, tingling feeling in his left arm. That was the issue originally. We need to go back and get advice, but I would say he’s pretty much done for the season.

“We’re not ruling him out completely, but I couldn’t imagine him playing again this year. I don’t want to make the decision, it’s Danny’s decision, but I would say the best case scenario is he gets healthy again and we worry about it next year.”

Arthur is confident Levi will “bounce back”. He added: “He is still in here training, he was on the bike today, flogging himself. He’s still upbeat; you can see his disappointment, but he’ll be really good. He’s not a guy who walks around moping, he’ll still be full of energy and excited for the rest of the team.”

Kallum Watkins and Lachie Miller both picked up knocks at Saints, but are expected to continue in the team on Saturday.