Rhinos are on the back of successive wins and Smith has confirmed there won’t be many changes, but he reckons fielding the same side every week isn’t always the right option.
“The way some coaches choose to go about it – always picking the same team if it’s available or training with the same team all the time – works well until one or two players aren’t available,” Smith said.
“Sometimes, when you have to make changes, people aren’t adaptable enough if you haven’t practiced that. Continuity is important, but also making sure you have the right people for the occasion and the week ahead is the battle.”
Smith will select for Friday from the 17 who beat Hull FC, plus Sam Walters, Jack Sinfield, Luis Roberts and James Bentley, who missed out last week because of a groin injury. Here’s how Rhinos could line up.
13. Loose-forward: Cameron Smith
Will make his 100th Super League appearance, all for Leeds. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
14. Sub: Justin Sangare.
A regular on the bench since joining Leeds in the off-season. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
15. Sub: Tom Holroyd
Was on the bench for the first time in 2023 last week, but got more game time and had a big impact. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
16. Sub: James Bentley
Missed out because of a groin injury last week and could be on the bench if cleared to return. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
17. Sub: Liam Tindall
Smith likes to have an outside-back on the bench and Tindall, who did the job last week, may get the nod ahead of Luis Roberts. Photo: Tony Johnson