Leeds Rhinos have suffered an injury setback ahead of Friday’s crunch home clash with Leigh Leopards.
Rhinos, who are fourth in the Betfred Super League, one spot and a point below Leigh, will be without second-rower Morgan Gannon, who was injured in the 18-4 loss to St Helens five days ago. Gannon suffered a shin injury and was not included in coach Brad Arthur’s initial team announcement today (Wednesday).
The 21-year-old has received a scan, but the full nature of his injuries is unknown. Gannon has scored five tries in 16 competitive appearances this season. The Rhinos remain in a healthy position, with only Gannon, long-term injury Maika Sivo, and Matt Frawley, who is on loan at the Huddersfield Giants, missing from their top 20 squad numbers.
Outside back Ethan Clark-Wood, who did not play against the Saints, is also dropped from last week’s 21. Full-back Alfie Edgell and teenage back-rower Presley Cassell, who has yet to make his first-team debut, are recruited in. Edgell is back in contention following a shoulder injury.
Hooker Andy Ackers, prop Cooper Jenkins – who was 18th man – and half-back Jack Sinfield keep their places despite missing matchday 17 at TW Stadium. All three played for the reserves in last Thursday’s 48-0 win over Wakefield Trinity.
Adrian Lam, Leigh’s coach, has only announced a 20-man squad. He will choose from the 21 players revealed ahead of last Saturday’s triumph against Catalans Dragons, minus Alec Tuitavake, who is serving a one-match suspension.
The Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad includes Lachie Miller, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft, Mikolaj Oledzki, Andy Ackers, Keenan Palasia, James Bentley, James McDonnell, Cameron Smith, Jarrod O’Connor, Sam Lisone, Cooper Jenkins, Jake Connor, Tom Holroyd, Jack Sinfield, Alfie Edgell, Riley Lumb, Kallum Watkins, and Presley Cassell.
David Armstrong, Darnell McIntosh, Tesi Niu, Umyla Hanley, Josh Charnley, Gareth O’Brien, Lachlan Lam, Owen Trout, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Frankie Halton, Jack Hughes, Isaac Liu, Matt Davis, Brad Dwyer, Keanan Brand, Ethan O’Neill, Ben McNamara, Bailey Hodgson, and Joe Ofahengaue are among Leigh’s 21.
Leave a Reply