Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith upbeat over signings ahead of Super League opener at Warrington Wolves
and live on Freeview channel 276
Rhinos’ off-season signings have not been as high profile as some of their Betfred Super League rivals, including Thursday’s round one hosts Warrington Wolves.
But Smith insisted: “The result of your recruitment can only ever be seen by performances and results on the field.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdNewcomers Derrell Olpherts, Sam Lisone, Justin Sangare, James McDonnell, Luis Roberts and Leon Ruan are all included in Rhinos’ 21-man squad to face Warrington and will make their debut if selected on the night.
“I think if anyone’s basing recruitment on resumes or profiles, that’s not the best way,” Smith said. “Everyone we’ve brought in has come in for a particular role and to fit the needs of the roster.
“I am confident in all of those guys coming in and contributing well. A few of them are projects and won’t contribute a lot to the performance on the field in Super League this season, but they will be growing towards the years to come. Those higher profile guys we’ve got, I think, will make a big impact when the time comes.”
Two other recruits Nene Macdonald (quad muscle) and Luke Hooley (ankle) are ruled out through injury, alongside Harry Newman (hamstring), Mikolaj Oledzki (shoulder) and James Bentley (knee).
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTeenage centre Max Simson is expected to miss the entire season after suffering anterior cruciate ligament (acl) damage in training.
Warrington also have key men missing. Former Australia and Samoa Test prop Josh McGuire, signed from St George-Illawarra, will begin a seven-game ban after being sent-off in a pre-season win over Leigh Leopards.
Fellow front-row recruit Gil Dudson suffered a broken hand in the same game and acl victims Joe Philbin and Connor Wrench remain on the casualty list from last season.
New signings Paul Vaughan, Sam Kasiano and Josh Drinkwater are poised for their Warrington Super League debut.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdLeeds Rhinos: from Myler, Fusitu’a, Handley, Austin, Sezer, Leeming, Tetevano, Martin, Smith, O’Connor, Lisone, Olpherts, Sangare, Holroyd, McDonnell, Gannon, Walters, Tindall, Roberts, Donaldson, Ruan.
Warrington Wolves: from Ashton, Bullock, Clark, Currie, Drinkwater, Dufty, Harrison, Hayes, A Holroyd, Kasiano, Mata’utia, Mikaele, Minikin, Nicholson, Ratchford, Thewlis, Vaughan, Walker, Whitehead, Williams.
Referee: Liam Moore (Wigan).
Kick-off: Thursday, 8pm.