Why star prop was dropped for Leeds Rhinos' defeat by Wigan Warriors, but could return to face Salford Red Devils

Seumanufagai is included in Rhinos’ initial squad for the ‘home’ showdown with Salford Red Devils at Warrington after being dropped against Wigan Warriors 13 days ago.

“He understands,” Agar said. “We think he is physically not in the same spot [as before lockdown]. He needs to work hard in those areas.

“The game is certainly more challenging for our middles and that’s an area we think, certainly in the Saints game, is an area of improvement for him.”

Richie Myler, who can play in the halves, at hooker or full-back, is back in contention after injury, Rob Lui could return against his former club after missing the last two games and Rhys Evans and Alex Sutcliffe are also in contention.

Cameron Smith drops out after suffering a broken jaw in training this week.

He joins Stevie Ward (head), Dom Crosby (knee), James Donaldson (back), Alex Mellor (knee) and Jack Walker (foot) on the casualty list.

Walker is back in training, but will be given at least an extra week to build his fitness after being sidelined since February.

Salford have not played since crushing Hull 54-18 three weeks ago.

Their squad had to isolate after several Hull players contracted coronavirus.

Andy Ackers, signed from Toronto Wolfpack, is in line to make his debut.

Ed Chamberlain, Kevin Brown, Gil Dudson, Greg Burke and James Greenwood could also be called up.

Dan Sarginson and Lee Mossop drop out from the team which beat Hull.

Leeds Rhinos from: T Briscoe, Newman, Hurrell, Handley, Lui, Gale, Seumanufagai, Leeming, Prior, Martin, Dwyer, L Sutcliffe, Myler, Cuthbertson, Oledzki, Thompson, Evans, McLelland, L Briscoe, A Sutcliffe, Holroyd.

Salford Red Devils: from Evalds, Chamberlain, Welham, Lolohea, Brown, Lussick, Dudson, Lannon, Pauli, McCarthy, Ikahihifo, Burke, Yates, Atkin, Flanagan, Johnson, Greenwood, Williams, Sio, Kear, Ackers.

Referee: Liam Moore (Wigan).

Kick-off: Today, 6.30pm.

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