McGuire and Hall in opposing camps as Easts Leeds take on Oulton

The duo played together in Rhinos’ 2014 and 2015 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup triumphs and will be among the crowd when their former amateur clubs East Leeds and Oulton Raiders clash in the tie of the first round (2pm).

Hosts Easts will be without several influential players. Jake Normington has joined Hunslet Hawks, Nathan Conroy is suspended and Jason Priestley (knee) and Ben Walkin (back) are sidelined by injuries suffered last year. But Mark Greenwood and Nathan West both return from long-term shoulders injuries and George Clark and Ryan Gaunt are back after taking last season out for work reasons.

Oulton’s Lawrence Dibb and Craig Savage are both unavailable, but Dom Flanagan returns and recruits Gary Sargeant, Johnny Haywood and Scott Holder could feature. The Challenge Cup will be at tomorrow’s game.

Easts spokesman Malcolm Waite said: “It will be tough, especially with some influential players out, but we’re confident our squad is strong enough.”

Phil Craddick, of Oulton predicted, “It should be a good, tough game.”

Stanningley host Pilkington Recs tomorrow (2.30pm) and Hunslet Club Parkside visit Thatto Heath (1.30pm). Other Challenge Cup first round ties include York Acorn against Sharlston Rovers (1.30pm), and Featherstone Rovers at Royal Navy (2pm).