Leeds Rhinos handed triple fitness boost

Long-term casualties Stevie Ward, Liam Sutcliffe and Jimmy Keinhorst have all been named in Leeds Rhinos' initial 19-man squad for Monday's visit of Salford Red Devils.
Betfred Super League.
Widnes Vikings v Leeds Rhinos.
Leeds Rhinos Jimmy Keinhorst.
25th February 2018.
Picture Jonathan GawthorpeBetfred Super League.
Widnes Vikings v Leeds Rhinos.
Leeds Rhinos Jimmy Keinhorst.
25th February 2018.
Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe
Betfred Super League. Widnes Vikings v Leeds Rhinos. Leeds Rhinos Jimmy Keinhorst. 25th February 2018. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

Loose-forward Ward has not played since tearing a calf muscle in the World Club Challenge defeat by Melbourne Storm on February 16.

Keinhorst, a centre or second-row, underwent surgery after damaging a knee the following week away to Widnes Vikings and Sutcliffe - who can play at centre or stand-off - suffered a foot injury in the same game.

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Boss Brian McDermott has admitted the return of Keinhorst and Sutcliffe will leave him with a decision to make over the left-centre position, where Ash Handley has scored six tries in the past three games.

Speaking after Friday’s 22-22 draw at Huddersfield Giants, McDermott said: “He [Handley] has been on the end of some good stuff.

“Certainly against Castleford last week he opened Castleford up and there were some nice touches today.

“It’s good that Liam Sutcliffe and Jimmy Keinhorst are back from injury on Monday and I will be having a tough conversation with one or those three, possibly two.”

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Rhinos will be without prop Anthony Mullally who suffered concussion against Huddersfield.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Brad Dwyer drop out, but Matt Parcell is set to return after being rested for the game at John Smith’s Stadium.

Josh Walters, who was 18th man at Huddersfield, retains his place in the initial 19.

Rhinos’ 19 man squad is: Aston Golding, Tom Briscoe, Kallum Watkins, Liam Sutcliffe, Ryan Hall, Joel Moon, Richie Myler, Matt Parcell, Brad Singleton, Carl Ablett, Stevie Ward, Brett Delaney, Jimmy Keinhorst, Brett Ferres, Ash Handley Jack Walker, Cameron Smith, Mikolaj Oledzki, Josh Walters.