Leeds Rhinos' predicted starting 13 and bench v Hull FC as coach Rohan Smith faces selection headaches

By Peter Smith

Published 31st Aug 2023, 17:07 GMT

Updated 1st Sep 2023, 19:17 GMT

Leeds Rhinos have problems in the halves, at centre and in the second-row ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hull FC.

Aidan Sezer, the club’s only experienced scrum-half, is ruled out because of injury, alongside forward James Bentley.

In more positive news, winger David Fusitu’a and back-rower James McDonnell could return, but three-quarter Nene Macdonald remains in Australia on paternity leave.

Here’s how Leeds could line up in a game they have to win to keep faint top-six hopes alive.

The Super League rookie has had three good games since first-choice full-back Richie Myler suffered a long-term injury.

. Full-back: Luke Hooley

The Super League rookie has had three good games since first-choice full-back Richie Myler suffered a long-term injury. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com

Missed last week's defeat at Huddersfield because of a back injury, but has been named in the initial squad for Saturday.

. Wing: David Fusitu'a

Missed last week's defeat at Huddersfield because of a back injury, but has been named in the initial squad for Saturday. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com

With Nene Macdonald still in Australia on paternity leave, Roberts is likely to retain his place.

. Centre:Luis Roberts (no 24)

With Nene Macdonald still in Australia on paternity leave, Roberts is likely to retain his place. Photo: Tony Johnson

Set for his third comeback game following injury, having got through 80 minutes last week.

. Centre: Harry Newman

Set for his third comeback game following injury, having got through 80 minutes last week. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Rhinos' top try scorer this term, likely to remain in his specialist role.

. Wing: Ash Handley

Rhinos' top try scorer this term, likely to remain in his specialist role. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

Morgan Gannon could start at six, but Rhinos might continue with Martin for a second successive game, so they have a more experienced head in the halves.

. Stand-off: Rhyse Martin

Morgan Gannon could start at six, but Rhinos might continue with Martin for a second successive game, so they have a more experienced head in the halves. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com

The Super League rookie has had three good games since first-choice full-back Richie Myler suffered a long-term injury.

1. Full-back: Luke Hooley

The Super League rookie has had three good games since first-choice full-back Richie Myler suffered a long-term injury. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com

Missed last week's defeat at Huddersfield because of a back injury, but has been named in the initial squad for Saturday.

2. Wing: David Fusitu'a

Missed last week's defeat at Huddersfield because of a back injury, but has been named in the initial squad for Saturday. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com

With Nene Macdonald still in Australia on paternity leave, Roberts is likely to retain his place.

3. Centre:Luis Roberts (no 24)

With Nene Macdonald still in Australia on paternity leave, Roberts is likely to retain his place. Photo: Tony Johnson

Set for his third comeback game following injury, having got through 80 minutes last week.

4. Centre: Harry Newman

Set for his third comeback game following injury, having got through 80 minutes last week. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Rhinos' top try scorer this term, likely to remain in his specialist role.

5. Wing: Ash Handley

Rhinos' top try scorer this term, likely to remain in his specialist role. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

Morgan Gannon could start at six, but Rhinos might continue with Martin for a second successive game, so they have a more experienced head in the halves.

6. Stand-off: Rhyse Martin

Morgan Gannon could start at six, but Rhinos might continue with Martin for a second successive game, so they have a more experienced head in the halves. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com

Hull FC James Bentley James McDonnell Aidan Sezer Leeds Australia

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