Castleford Tigers are set for a brand-new halfback pairing against Leeds Rhinos as Lee Radford is forced into changes.
With Danny Richardson set to be on the sideline for a number of months with a suspected ACL injury, Radford will look to Greg Eden and Paul McShane in the halves.
Richardson left the field in Castleford’s dismal 50-10 loss to the Salford Red Devils on Monday and though he was seen walking off the field, it is not good news for the West Yorkshire club.
Though it is only ‘suspected’ at this point, the physio has been right about ACL injuries to Ryan Hampshire and Jake Trueman earlier in the season.
“The physio feedback has been right with most assessments this year – and he’s done a fair few,” Radford told BBC Radio Leeds.
“He will definitely be missing.”
Radford believes it is incredible that his side are still within a shot of the play-offs given the players he has had missing in 2022.
“I wanted to move the club in a better direction by getting in the six,” Radford continued.
“But what we’ve had thrown at us this year in terms of availability and suspensions throughout the year, I think it’s a miracle where we’re at and we are still in with a shout.”
👥 𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬-𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗦 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗥
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Head Coach Lee Radford has named a 19-man squad for the Fords' visit to Leeds Rhinos on Saturday!
Full squad details 👇#NewCasEra | #COYF
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) September 1, 2022
Meanwhile, Leeds boss Rohan Smith will welcome back Ash Handley and Aidan Sezer, but Blake Austin is also surprisingly included despite Smith saying he would this week’s game.
“Ash Handley and Aidan Sezer will be back, they missed through other circumstances (against Catalans) and both will be back and that’s possibly about it,” Smith admitted.
“Ash has been a mainstay in the team all year and he’s showed good leadership whilst Aidan has started to get a bit of form and rhythm.
“He is an experienced guy and he knows how to play. He will be back.”
Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Rohan Smith has named his 21 man squad for The Decider this Saturday against Castleford Tigers at Headingley, kick off 3pm
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🤝 In partnership with @BoardrmUK #YourFutureOurPassion pic.twitter.com/BjzhQvFgXB— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 1, 2022
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