Rhinos will meet Southern Conference side Wests Warriors at AMT Headingley on Saturday, February 8 - exactly a week before their Betfred Super League opener against Wakefield Trinity on the same ground. Arthur has never previously coached in the Challenge Cup and next week will be Leeds’ first game against non-league opposition since January, 1988, when they beat Cumbrian team Kells 28-0 in a preliminary round tie played at Whitehaven.
Ahead of a gruelling campaign and having lost winger Maika Sivo to a season-long knee injury in last Sunday’s Ash Handley testimonial against Wigan Warriors, Arthur will have to balance the need to pick a winning side with protecting his first-choice players. The Rhinos team boss has already said he will be “smart” with team selection, while also respecting the competition and Wests Warriors.
Injuries in the full-time squad will restrict Arthur’s options, with fringe players Ned McCormack, Max Simpson, Fegus McCormack and Ben Littlewood - who might have come into contention - all on the casualty list, alongside Lachie Miller, Sivo, Jarrod O’Connor and Alfie Edgell from Rhinos’ top-20. That means Arthur will have no choice but to field some of his senior players.
There could also be a call up for some youngsters who aren’t members of the first team squad, but have trained with them in pre-season and featured in warm-up matches. Arthur will name an initial 21 two days before the tie, but here’s how Leeds could line up.
13. Loose-forward: Tom Nicholson-Watton
Could continue his comeback from a year-long lay-off after returning in last weekend’s win against Wigan. Photo: Tony Johnson
14. Sub: Sam Lisone
Probably wouldn’t get a lot of game time, but it’d be handy to have him in reserve. Photo: Tony Johnson
15. Sub: Cooper Jenkins
A good opportunity to give the relatively inexperienced Aussie signing a run. Photo: Tony Johnson
16. Sub: Toby Warren
May get a debut at the start of his third season with Leeds. Photo: Tony Johnson
17. Sub: Harley Thomas
Not in the full-time squad, but has been training with them and can cover any injuries in the outside-backs. Photo: Tony Johnson