Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons - boss Agar makes 15 changes as EIGHT players get set for debut

Coach Richard Agar has made 15 changes to his initial 21-man squad as he rests first-choice players ahead of Saturday’s Coral Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan Warriors.

Of the 17 on duty against Hull KR last Thursday, only Adam Cuthbertson and Luke Briscoe - who were both among the substitutes - retain their place in the squad.

Players in contention for their debut are outside-back Jack Broadbent, centre Corey Hall, winger Liam Tindall and forwards Sam Walters, Jarrod O’Connor, James Harrison, Loui McConnell and Levi Edwards.

Outside-back Rhyse Evans, hooker Harvey Whiteley and prop Muizz Mustapha have all made one senior appearance for Rhinos.

Full-back Jack Walker has been named in Rhinos’ squad for the first time since suffering a fractured foot in February.

Cameron Smith (broken jaw) is also back in contention, Brad Dwyer is available after recovering from coronavirus and Konrad Hurrell and Bodene Thompson could feature following a spell in isolation.

Alex Sutcliffe returns to the squad after a two-game ban.

Callum Mclelland and Brett Ferres have also been called up.

Catalans’ squad is unchanged from the one named before last week’s defeat at Warrington Wolves.

Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad is: Jack Walker, Konrad Hurrell, Brad Dwyer, Adam Cuthbertson, Bodene Thompson, Rhyse Evans, Cameron Smith, Callum McLelland, Luke Briscoe, Alex Sutcliffe, Sam Walters, Muizz Mustapha, Jarrod O’Connor, Jack Broadbent, Corey Hall, Liam Tindall, James Harrison, Brett Ferres, Harvey Whiteley, Levi Edwards, Loui McConnell.

Catalans’ initial 21 is: Samisoni Langi, Israel Folau, Fouad Yaha, James Maloney, Josh Drinkwater, Remi Casty, Michael McIlorum, Sam Moa, Matt Whitley, Joel Tomkins, Benjamin Garcia, Julian Bousquet, Tom Davies, Benjamin Jullien, Alrix Da Costa, Mickael Goudemand, Jason Baitieri, Arthur Mourgue, Lambert Belmas, Sam Kasiano, Sam Tomkins.

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