Full-back Lachie Miller and winger Ryan Hall have been left out of Leeds’ initial squad, joining centre Ash Handley, scrum-half Jake Connor and outside-backs Alfie Edgell and Ethan Clark-Wood on the casualty list. That leaves Rhinos without a specialist full-back in their 21-man squad.
Hooker Andy Ackers - who was 18th man for last week’s home loss to Catalans Dragons - is another absentee, but coach Brad Arthur has a near full-strength pack to select from, the exception being loose-forward Cameron Smith. With Tom Nicholson-Watton available after injury and Ben Littlewood and Joe Shorrocks also in the 21, Arthur has the option of resting some of his first-choice forwards ahead of next weekend’s elimination play-off. Here’s how Rhinos could line up.
13. Second-row: Morgan Gannon
Has had a good season and will be looking to end on a high. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
14. Loose-forward: Keenan Palasia
Started at loose-forward last week. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
15. Sub: Kallum Watkins
Was a substitute last week and could come on in either the backs or forwards. Photo: Steve Riding
16. Sub: Sam Lisone
Another ever-present, all his appearances this year being off the bench. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
17. Sub: Tom Holroyd
His second comeback match after a two-month injury layoff. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
18. Sub: James Bentley
Could start if one of the other second-rowers is moved into the outside-backs, but more likely to continue on the bench. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com