New coach Rohan Smith names first Leeds Rhinos squad for Super League game at Salford Red Devils: Key players set to return

Leeds Rhinos could welcome back five players from injury and two after suspension when they visit Salford Red Devils on Sunday.
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Full-back/centre Zak Hardaker is included in Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad for the first time since 2016.

He returned to the club after being released by Wigan Warriors late last month, but missed the win over Hull KR two weeks ago following a suspected seizure.

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Full-back/half-back Richie Myler, who sustained a groin injury early in the round one loss to Warrington Wolves, is in contention after a 12-week layoff and winger David Fusitu’a (knee) could feature for the first time since a home loss to Hull in March.

James Bentley is back in Rhinos' initial squad after a two-game ban. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.James Bentley is back in Rhinos' initial squad after a two-game ban. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
James Bentley is back in Rhinos' initial squad after a two-game ban. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Pre-season injury victims Tom Holroyd (foot) and Sam Walters (shoulder) have also been named in the initial 21.

Prop Holroyd is included for the first time this season, but was expected to get a run out in the reserves at Castleford Tigers on Saturday.

Second-rower Walters, who made his comeback with Bradford Bulls on dual-registration, retains his place in the squad after not being selected against Hull KR.

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Forwards James Bentley and Zane Tetevano have both completed a two-match ban, but winger Liam Tindall - who has been ill - and suspended packmen Matt Prior and Morgan Gannon drop out from the side on duty against Hull KR.

David Fusitu'a is back in Rhinos' initial 21. Picture by Richard Sellers/PA.David Fusitu'a is back in Rhinos' initial 21. Picture by Richard Sellers/PA.
David Fusitu'a is back in Rhinos' initial 21. Picture by Richard Sellers/PA.
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Jack Walker (hamstring), Harry Newman (hamstring), Liam Sutcliffe (knee), Aidan Sezer (groin), Alex Mellor (sternum) and Corey Johnson (knee) remain on the casualty list.

Ryan Brierley, Tim Lafai, Joe Burgess, Marc Sneyd, Elijah Taylor, Harvey Livett and Sam Luckley are all back in Salford’s initial squad, with Rhys Williams, Josh Johnson and Alex Gerrard dropping out from the team which lost at St Helens two weeks ago.

Salford Red Devils: from Brierley, Sio, Watkins, Lafai, Burgess, Croft, Sneyd, Akauola, Ackers, Taylor, Addy, Vuniyayawa, Lannon, Livett, Atkin, Ormondroyd, Costello, Escare, Luckley, Bourouh, Cross.

Liam Tindall drops out of Rhinos' 21. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Liam Tindall drops out of Rhinos' 21. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Liam Tindall drops out of Rhinos' 21. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
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Leeds Rhinos: from Fusitu’a, Handley, Austin, Oledzki, Leeming, Bentley, Martin, Tetevano, Dwyer, Myler, Smith, Holroyd, Thompson, Walters, Broadbent, O’Connor, Donaldson, Mustapha, Simpson, Sinfield, Hardaker.

Referee: James Child (Dewsbury).

Kick-off: Sunday, 3pm.

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