Long-term absentees Harry Newman and James Bentley have been included in Rhinos’ initial squad and Smith told a press conference on Wednesday both will play.
Sam Lisone is also set to return, after missing last week’s win at St Helens through illness. Kruise Leeming (foot injury) and Justin Sangare (paternity leave) drop out, but Smith may have to omit at one and possibly two members of the team which beat the world champions.
It will be tough on whoever is dropped, but Smith has stressed a horses for courses approach which means his best 17 one week isn’t necessarily the same for the following match.
Here’s how Rhinos could line up as they bid for their first home win of 2023.
7. Scrum-half: Aidan Sezer
Will get a chance to build some consistency after being official man of the match at Saints. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
8. Prop: Tom Holroyd
There's competition, but the youngster has looked good as a starting prop. Photo: Tony Johnson
9. Hooker: Jarrod O'Connor.
Did a fine job as starting nine in the victory at Saints and will surely keep the role on merit. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
10. Prop: Zane Tetevano
Starting front-rower for the past couple of games and likely to continue. Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
11. Second-row: James McDonnell
Did well on debut and might have earned another start. Photo: Tony Johnson
12. Second-row: Rhyse Martin
So important to the team - and not just for his goal kicking. Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com