Friendly cancelled due to “safety” concerns

One friendly scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled because of how cold the temperatures which have left pitches across the country frozen.

Doncaster have confirmed that their pitch is one of those that have been bitten by the cold.

Their clash against Newcastle Thunder has been called off due to a pitch inspection,

They made the following statement:

“Our friendly against Newcastle Thunder has been called off on safety grounds following a pitch inspection at the Eco-Power Stadium.”

Leeds have now confirmed that today’s game will definitely go ahead after fears it could follow other games in other sports and be cancelled due to a frozen pitch.

In a statement on Twitter, they said:

“Despite the dip in temperatures in recent days, the undersoil heating at Leigh Leopards will make sure that this afternoon’s game goes ahead, remember to wrap up warm, kick off 3pm.”

Leigh Leopards vs Leeds Rhinos will still go ahead today.

Leigh Leopards have finalised their squad for today’s clash with Leeds Rhinos at Leigh Sports Village which kicks off at 15:00.

It is a tale of two ex-Leeds players as one member of the Rhinos’ Grand Final team is set to debut against his former club whilst another misses out.

Hardaker is the man who is set to feature today after turning down a contract at Headingley for 2023.

Tom Briscoe misses out which means ex-Wigan Warriors youngster Umyla Janley will debut on the wing.

Ricky Leutele, Rob Mulhern, Oliver Holmes, Gareth O’Brien, Matty Davis, Jacob Gannon – againt brother Morgan, and Nathan Wilde all could debut after respective moves from Huddersfield Giants, Warrington Wolves, Castleford Tigers and Newcastle Thunder.

Joe Mellor and star man and Man of Steel favourite Edwin Ipape are both absent as is new signing Jack Hughes.

1 Zak Hardaker
3 Ed Chamberlain
4 Ricky Leutele
5 Josh Charnley
7 Lachlan Lam
8 Tom Amone
10 Rob Mulhern
11 Joe Wardle
13 John Asiata
14 Ben Nakubuwai
15 Ben Reynolds
16 Oliver Holmes
17 Gareth O’Brien
18 Matty Davis
19 Aaron Smith
21 Jacob Jones
22 Tom Nisbet
23 Jacob Gannon
24 Kai O’Donnell
25 Nathan Wilde
26 Umyla Hanley

As for Leeds, there will be debuts for Luis Roberts and Sam Lisone. Halfbacks Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin feature for the first time this pre-season as Jack Sinfield returns from injury.

David Fusitu’a is back in the mix.