Two Challenge Cup final places still up for grabs, reveals Leeds Rhinos coach Richard Agar

FOUR OR five players are vying for the last two places in Leeds Rhinos’ Coral Challenge Cup final line-up, coach Richard Agar says.
Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar.
 Picture: Steve Riding.Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar.
 Picture: Steve Riding.
Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar. Picture: Steve Riding.

Agar confirmed he has a 21-man squad in mind, but will not fix his 17 for Saturday’s Wembley showdown with Salford Red Devils until the results are in from Rhinos’ latest round of coronavirus tests and tonight’s game at Warrington Wolves has been safely negotiated.

“I’d probably say we know 15 spots, we have just got a couple of spots to decide on around the make up and balance of our bench,” Agar said.

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“We have got a number of players in contention, probably four or five guys in contention for two spots at this moment in time.

Tom Holroyd in action against Hull FC last week. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.Tom Holroyd in action against Hull FC last week. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
Tom Holroyd in action against Hull FC last week. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

“They know the situation and we’ve said we aren’t going to make the final call until we’ve got the Covid tests and Tuesday’s game is out of the way.”

Agar has welcomed the RFL match review panel’s decision not to ban teenage prop Tom Holroyd or Salford back Dan Sarginson.

Holroyd, who is in the squad for tonight, was cautioned over a dangerous tackle on Hull’s Jack Brown in Rhinos’ 40-22 win last Thursday.

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Sarginson was sin-binned for a similar offence on Huddersfield Giants’ ex-Rhinos full-back Ashton Golding the same day – when Salford won 24-16 – and charged with a grade A offence, which did not merit a ban.

Suspensions could have ruled both players out of the final and Agar said that would have been harsh.

He said: “I am pleased.

“I think it is great they have both been cleared to play.

“I think it would be very difficult to schedule a Thursday night game and then a Tuesday night game and have guys rubbed out on judiciary. I am pleased it has worked out for both of them.”

Stand-off Rob Lui missed the Hull game with a knee problem, but Agar said: “He is all fine, he will get a full week’s preparation.”

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