London Broncos v Leeds Rhinos: McDermott rotates ahead of Challenge Cup final

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott has opted not to risk many of his big guns in Sunday’s First Utility Super League game at London Broncos.
Brian McDermott.Brian McDermott.
Brian McDermott.

The match takes place six days before the Tetley’s Challenge Cup final showdown with Castleford Tigers and Leeds will be without nine members of last weekend’s semi-final winning team.

McDermott said: “Brett Delaney, name a part of his body and he will be carrying it.

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Rob Burrow has got a groin issue, JP [Jamie Peacock] has got some sort of back neural issue, with his back, Kev [Sinfiel] has got some heel issues and Carl Ablett has got a thumb injury.”

On top of those five, Joel Moon, Danny McGuire, Kylie Leuluai and Jamie Jones-Buchanan are all rested.

Under-19s players Ash Handley, Ben White, Ashton Golding and Jordan Lilley are all in line for their senior debut.

Chris Clarkson has been recalled from a spell on dual-registration at Hunslet Hawks and Stevie Ward, Mitch Achurch, Robbie Ward, Brad Singleton, Josh Walters and Elliot Minchella are also back in contention.

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Rhinos’ 19-man squad is: Zak Hardaker, Kallum Watkins, Ryan Hall, Paul Aiton, Stevie Ward, Ryan Bailey, Ian Kirke, Chris Clarkson, Mitch Achurch, Tom Briscoe, Liam Sutcliffe, Brad Singleton, Elliot Minchella, Josh Walters, Robbie Ward, Ash Handley, Ben White, Ashton Golding, Jordan Lilley.