Round 18 of the Betfred Super League is nearly upon and there is set to be a number of huge games in the context of the season including Leeds Rhinos’ journey to Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves’ clash with Super League and World Champions St Helens whilst Hull KR and Hull FC will meet in a huge Hull derby on Sunday.
It is a huge point in the season especially for two clubs this time last year were turning on the style and hitting their form which carried them to unlikely play-off spots in the shape of Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils.
The Rhinos stormed to the Grand Final with Salford making the semi-finals and coming up short in the clash with eventual Champions St Helens.
They meet on Sunday after Salford previously beat Leeds at Headingley earlier this season.
The Rhinos have suffered a massive blow with the in form Blake Austin, arguably Super League’s best player over the last fortnight, is out suspended.
And matters have been made worse for Leeds with the news that Salford will have their spine back.
Andy Ackers, Man of Steel Brodie Croft and Ryan Brierley missed the crushing defeat to Wakefield Trinity but in his press conference this week Paul Rowley confirmed the trio will be back.
“We should have three back, but a few more out too.
“Ackers is back. We’ll have Brodie and Ryan back too.”
Certainly not good news for Leeds as they have to mess around with their spine.
It will be interesting to see if Rohan Smith names young Jack Sinfield at six or if he moves Richie Myler into the halves with Ash Handley or Luke Hooley taking over at fullback.
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