Leeds Rhinos put young prop on stand-by

Teenage prop George Milton is in contention to make his Leeds Rhinos debut away to Salford Red Devils on Sunday.
Doncaster RLFC v Leeds Rhinos.
Pre-season Friendley.
Rhinos George Milton is tackled by Doncaster's Brad Foster and Shaun Leaf.
1st February 2015.
Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe.Doncaster RLFC v Leeds Rhinos.
Pre-season Friendley.
Rhinos George Milton is tackled by Doncaster's Brad Foster and Shaun Leaf.
1st February 2015.
Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Doncaster RLFC v Leeds Rhinos. Pre-season Friendley. Rhinos George Milton is tackled by Doncaster's Brad Foster and Shaun Leaf. 1st February 2015. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Milton, 19, has been named in coach Brian McDermott’s initial squad for the first time after impressing for Rhinos’ academy this season.

The England academy front-rower was signed from Oulton Raiders and has also played for Guiseley Rangers and Milford Marlins.

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Veteran prop Jamie Peacock is also included after being rested for Monday’s win over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Ash Golding is set to replace injured winger Ryan Hall.

Centre Joel Moon and second-row Brett Delaney have been named in the 19, despite both suffering a rib injury against Wakefield.

McDermott said: “We’ve got a few fellas who are still feeling the effects of Easter and we’ll monitor them over the next few days.

“I shouldn’t imagine there will be dramatic changes, but there might be one or two who don’t make it.

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“But the players are in great shape mentally at the moment and they can’t wait to get back on the field to play Salford.”

Rhinos are four points clear at the top of First Utility Super League, but McDermott said: “I am not surprised that gap has opened up and I wouldn’t be surprised if it closed down.

“I don’t want it to, but there’s only four points between second and ninth. The league is starting to take shape a little bit, but if it keeps being this tight someone will end up outside the top-eight after round 23 that we don’t expect, because there’s so many teams vying for it.

“It is nice to look at and gives everyone a nice feeling that we are where we are, but we have got to keep fighting for it - we can’t relax just yet.”