
Leeds Rhinos are set to take on community club Wests Warriors in Round Three of the Challenge Cup and we’ve predicted how Brad Arthur’s side could line up.
Despite being drawn away from home, the Rhinos will actually host the game with London-based Wests travelling north to Leeds to play the game in what will be the biggest day of their club’s history.
The fixture is slated for next weekend meaning Brad Arthur has plenty of time to work out his side but with injuries already rearing their ugly head, he may have to delve into the club’s reserves and academy to name a 17-man squad.
Leeds’ final pre-season clash against Wigan Warriors saw star signing Maika Sivo go down injured and end up ruled out for the year and the Rhinos will be keen to avoid risking any other stars in a game that they should coast through.
However, with the likes of Sivo, Lachie Miller, Alfie Edgell, Jarrod O’Connor, the McCormack brothers and others either ruled out or carrying knocks it’s apparent that Brad Arthur will have to name some of his stars to face the community club.
We’ve picked out a 17-man Leeds Rhinos squad that could line up against Wests Warriors with reasoning given for each selection.
How Leeds Rhinos could line up in Round Three of the Challenge Cup
Full-back: Joe Diskin
Played in both pre-season games and wouldn’t let the side down if called up from the academy for a competitive debut.
Wing: Riley Lumb
The Cup tie is a good opportunity to give Leeds’ highly-rated 20-year-old winger some game time following Maika Sivo’s season-long injury.
Centre: Ash Handley
Unless someone’s brought into the 17 from the academy, or makes a shock return from injury, Rhinos’ co-captain may be needed.
Centre: Jake Connor
It might be an opportunity to give the new signing a run at centre, having played full-back in pre-season.
Wing: Jack Smith
Smith played in the Championship for Halifax Panthers and Bradford Bulls last year and got some Rhinos game time in pre-season, so could be in line for his senior debut.
Stand-off: Matt Frawley
Rhinos will probably need an experienced head in the halves. Somebody could be tried out of position, but Frawley may get the nod.
Scrum-half: Jack Sinfield
The 20-year-old needs game time and the Cup tie is an ideal opportunity. He’s also a goal kicker.
Prop: Tom Holroyd
The Cup tie’s a good opportunity for Holroyd to get some extended game time after an injury-hit 2024.
Hooker: Andy Ackers
With Jarrod O’Connor on the casualty list, Ackers is the only fit acting-half in Rhinos’ first-team squad.
Prop: Keenan Palasia
Some experience will be required up front and the off-season recruit would benefit from another chance to acclimatise to English conditions.
Second-row: Morgan Gannon
Could continue his comeback from a year-long lay-off after returning in last weekend’s win against Wigan.
Second-row: James McDonnell
The Irish international may be one of the senior players to get a run out.
Loose-forward: Tom Nicholson-Watton
A specialist prop, the 22-year-old can play at loose-forward and could get his first Leeds start.
Sub: Sam Lisone
Probably wouldn’t get a lot of game time, but it’d be handy to have him in reserve.
Sub: Cooper Jenkins
A good opportunity to give the relatively inexperienced Aussie signing a run.
Sub: Toby Warren
May get a debut at the start of his third season with Leeds.
Sub: Harley Thomas
Not in the full-time squad, but has been training with them and can cover any injuries in the outside-backs.
