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Ex-Leeds Rhinos star debuts against them as he captains rivals

Former Leeds Rhinos star Bodene Thompson will make his Bradford Bulls debut today as he captains the side in the absence of Michael Lawrence who has battled with illness recently.

He is joined by fellow former Rhinos Jack Walker who starts at fullback whilst former Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils prop Josh Johnson is in line to make his debut off the bench.

Joe Arundel will also make his second appearance since returning to the Bulls from Halifax Panthers. The former Castleford Tigers man left Halifax over Christmas.

Here is the team in full:

Rohan Smith has named his side for Sunday’s friendly against Bradford Bulls at Headingley but has again been forced into a late change with signing from Castleford Tigers Derrell Olpherts dropping out at centre with Levi Edwards coming into the centres as he did last week when the same situation arose at Leigh Leopards.

Once again Ash Handley starts at fullback for the third game in a row hinting that Rohan Smith could use him there in Super League.

Usual fullback Richie Myler starts in the halves with Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin absent. Instead, he is joined by Morgan Gannon who for the third time features in the halves.

There is a first appearance of pre-season for Rhyse Martin at centre whilst Cameron Smith returns from elbow surgery to start at loose-forward.

James Bentley is expectantly absent whilst David Fusitu’a again misses out after being a late withdrawal against Leigh Leopards last week through illness.

He has been at the heart of discussions this week after rumours surfaced down under that he was unhappy and wanted an NRL return.

Liam Tindall and Luis Roberts both start on the wings.

Sam Lisone has a first start in a Leeds shirt and Jarrod O’Connor comes into the hooking role with no Kruise Leeming.

Sam Walters at prop and James McDonnell and Leon Ruan at second-row make up the 13.

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