Both Leeds Rhinos and St Helens dealt injury blows ahead of clash at Headingley

Leeds and St Helens both named strong squads for their clash at Headingley, but neither side has been able to name a side as strong as their initial 21 suggested.

Saints’ blow is less detrimental with Alex Walmsley unable to feature with the fixture coming to soon for the injured powerhouse prop who destroyed Leeds in two games at the end of 2021.

James Roby makes his 500th appearance coming back into the starting line-up. Former Rhino Kyle Amor is not included with Sam Royale and Dan Norman on the bench instead.

Meanwhile, Jon Bennison comes onto the wing with Regan Grace and Will Hopoate out. Konrad Hurrell is set for his first game against former club Leeds.

🔴⚪ 𝙎𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙎 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎! 🔴⚪

🔒 Jon Bennison gets a start on the wing. Walmsley doesn't make it so Paasi is in from the off. @MorgsKnowles is 🔙!

As expected James Roby will lead us out on his 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝐭𝐡 Saints appearance! 🙌#COYS

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) April 1, 2022

Speaking of the Rhinos, they’re without star signing Aidan Sezer. Some may not consider this a major blow with him and halfback partner Aidan Sezer not firing yet. He has not been dropped however and is instead ruled out through injury. On a night Leeds needed their star players firing, this could be a major blow.

Liam Sutcliffe therefore moves into the halves with Jack Broadbent at centre. Leeds are short on forwards with Alex Mellor and Bodene Thompson out. Leeds therefore have Muizz Mustapha on the bench set for his first senior appearance for Leeds since 2020.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan has named his team to face St Helens, Aidan Sezer is ruled out through injury, Alex Mellor and Bodene Thompson have also been ruled out
🤝 In partnership with @BoardrmUK #YourFutureOurPassion pic.twitter.com/RwJ49hJeFd

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) April 1, 2022

Curiously, young Jack Sinfield was set to feature for the under 18s in the curtain raiser but was pulled out perhaps as cover for the 17 named should anyone pull up with an injury in the warm up with three of the initial 21 already ruled out.

Sinfield’s inclusion would mean Leeds sacrifice an interchange as he wasn’t named in the initial 21 with centre Max Simpson instead included. Perhaps explaining why he wasn’t called upon to replace Sezer initially.