Teenage prospect called up as Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad named to face Salford Red Devils

Coach Brad Arthur has made two changes to the squad named ahead of the 16-14 defeat at Warrington Wolves two weeks ago, with teenage loose-forward Presley Cassell and outside-back Jack Smith both in contention for their debut. Stand-off Brodie Croft is ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury against Warrington and Australian back Ethan Clark-Wood, who did not play in that game, also makes way.

Smith, who will turn 20 at the end of this month, has been included in previous initial squads, without making the matchday side. Cassell, 18, was Rhinos’ scholarship player of the year in 2023 and followed up by winning the academy honour last season.

Regarded by Rhinos as a future Betfred Super League star, he signed a contract until the end of 2028 last summer and was promoted into the full-time squad in pre-season. He has played in all Leeds’ lower-grade games so far this term, featuring twice for the academy and making three appearances with the reserves.

Salford are without captain Kallum Watkins who today signed for Rhinos, though he won’t play this week. Chris Hankinson, Nathan Connell, Chris Hill and Tiaki Chan also drop out from the 20 named ahead of last Friday’s Challenge Cup defeat at Catalans Dragons. Sam Davis, Ben Hellewell, James Pye, James Shields, Joshua Wagstaffe and ex-Leeds forward Justin Sangare are the players drafted in.

This week’s game will be Rhinos’ second visit to Salford in three months, following a 32-6 win there in Betfred Super League round two.

Leeds Rhinos’ 21-man squad is: Lachie Miller, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, Matt Frawley, Mikolaj Oledzki, Keenan Palasia, James Bentley, James McDonnell, Jarrod O'Connor, Sam Lisone, Morgan Gannon, Cooper Jenkins, Jake Connor, Tom Holroyd, Jack Sinfield, Alfie Edgell, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Riley Lumb, Jack Smith, Presley Cassell.

Salford’s initial squad is: Ryan Brierley, Deon Cross, Jayden Nikorima, Joe Mellor, Joe Shorrocks, Chris Atkin, Shane Wright, Esan Marsters, Jack Ormondroyd, Justin Sangare, Sam Davis, Matty Foster, Harvey Wilson, Ben Hellewell, Jamie Pye, Kai Morgan, Jimmy Shields, Josh Wagstaffe, Finley Yates, George Hill, Jonny Vaughan.