Leeds Rhinos selection surprise explained as Brad Arthur shrugs off top spot after win at Bradford Bulls

Arthur fielded an unchanged 17 from the victory over Warrington Wolves five days earlier, but three of his four bench players from that game started, including Chris Hankinson in the second-row. Hankinson’s previous run in the first-choice 13, against Hull two weeks ago, was on the right-wing and he has also played at full-back and centre since joining Rhinos late last season.

The former Salford Red Devils man had a strong game in Rhinos’ 24-12 victory and Arthur said: “He can play any position for you. It has been tough having a utility on the bench. We had Jack Bird there against Hull and how do I get him on the field?

“Chank [Hankinson] was there last weekend and I didn’t put him on. If you can have your utility in the 13 it makes it easier that way, then you can have the full rotation of four guys on the bench you can actually plan for to use in the game.”

Arthur went on: “From the start of the year Chank has told me he thought that was an avenue where he could get himself in the run-on team. He did a good job. He wanted to stay there for the last four minutes; playing 80 minutes as a back-rower [is something] he wanted to pride himself on, but he just started to cramp up.”

Jarrod O’Connor and Cooper Jenkins were also in the 13 after being among the substitutes against Warrington, with fellow forwards Danny Levi, Keenan Palasia and Cameron Smith switching to the bench. Arthur said: “We are very fortunate that the pack we started with, most teams would be happy with that starting pack.

“The guys on the bench took it the right way. I don’t want to have a rotation or resting policy so at times it will be about giving other blokes game time and sharing the work load a little bit. The blokes who started did a really good job for us.”

Rhinos had only three players - Max Simpson, Alfie Edgell and George Brown - on their casualty list before yesterday’s game and came through with no obvious new concerns. Arthur added: “We are nice and healthy at the moment. That’s a good reflection of the work we’ve done and the role our staff play in looking after them, but that can change at the drop of a hat, unfortunately.”

Leeds’ fifth win from seven Betfred Super League games lifted them top of the table on points difference from Wigan Warriors and St Helens, though Warrington could overhaul them with a win against Leigh Leopards today. Wakefield Trinity are also just two points behind ahead of tomorrow’s derby at Castleford Tigers.

Arthur wasn’t taking any satisfaction from Rhinos’ lofty position with a quarter of the season gone. He insisted: “I am going to enjoy my Easter; I’ll be happy about that, but that will do me.”