How Leeds Rhinos could line-up against Leigh Leopards in Super League opener amid eight injury concerns

Leeds Rhinos may have emerged as victors in their game against Bradford Bulls this weekend, but it came at a severe cost.

Brad Arthur’s side lost four men to injury throughout the game, with two of those players being some of the first names on the team sheet if available.

The Rhinos lost James McDonnell just fifteen minutes into the game, and was seen post-match with a protective boot on as a precaution.

The back rower is thought to have suffered a syndesmosis injury, in what is a big blow for the Leeds forward pack.

Ash Handley also picked up a knock to his groin. The centre had surgery on that area in the off-season, after struggling with it though the back end of 2025. However, the Leeds medical team are confident that the new injury is in a different location to the one from last season.

Max Simpson’s horrid luck with injury has unfortunately continued, with the 21-year-old likely suffering another ACL injury. This time, it is on his opposite leg to the one that kept him out for over two years in 2022.

Finally, Chris Hankinson suffered a fractured nose, as he took a heavy collision with a Bradford player shortly after McDonnell left the field.

Adding to the injured quartet, Leeds also have four further players currently receiving treatment.

Maika Sivo, Alfie Edgell, Keenan Palasia and Jeremiah Mata’utia all have their respective knocks, and all bar Edgell will be touch and go for the opening fixtures of the campaign.

Leeds have just three weeks before the Super League season begins, and whilst we don’t yet know the timescales of the newer injuries, it’s likely that they will be without a few of their key players for that clash with Leigh Leopards.

How Leeds Rhinos could line up in round one after injury horror

Full-back: Lachie Miller

The speedster missed the first few rounds of 2025, but has had a full pre-season under his belt this time around and will be ready for the Super League opener this time around.

Wingers: Riley Lumb and Ryan Hall

Arthur has claimed that Sivo will be “touch and go” for round one, and after a year’s absence, there is no intention to rush him back to early. With that in mind, it is likely that Riley Lumb will return to the first team to begin the year alongside the experienced Hall, who is entering his 20th season as a player.

Centres: Harry Newman and Ned McCormack

With Simpson a certainty and Handley very likely to be out, it means that Harry Newman and Ned McCormack will partner each other in the centres against Leigh.

Handley may be back in time for the opening round, we will have to see the extent of the injury, but like Sivo there is no point rushing him back when the season is only just beginning.

Halves: Brodie Croft and Jake Connor

The pair have had a full pre-season working together, and despite some flaws, they worked well together in victory over the Bulls.

Croft scored a hat-trick, and Connor had a hand in a number of tries on the day, highlighting their talent.

Props: Mikolaj Oledzki and Tom Holroyd

England international Oledzki will be hoping to keep his place in the national side at the end of the season, and book himself on the flight to Australia for the World Cup.

The position switch of Palaisa means that Holroyd looks to be the second starting prop, and after regaining his number 10 jersey, will be looking to reward the club with some strong efforts this year.

Hooker: Danny Levi

The starting spot could have gone to either Levi or Jarrod O’Connor, but Levi’s speed from the ruck gives him the edge.

The former Canberra man started the game against Bradford and looked threatening from dummy half. Some quick play the balls allowed him to get on the front foot, and he almost crossed for a try but was held up over the line.

With O’Connor on the bench, he is also able to cover the 13 position, so adds that extra versatility that Leeds may need later in the game.

Back Row: Ethan O’Neill and Kallum Watkins

Leeds have three very talented and experienced back rowers in the side, and when they are all fit will be all fighting with each other for a starting spot.

With McDonnell’s injury, it means that O’Neill and Watkins will be the starters for the game against Leigh, as the former returns to his old club for the first time since his exit this off-season.

Loose forward: Cameron Smith

Arthur has said that Palasia will be very close to a return in the Challenge Cup game against Widnes Vikings, if not the Leigh opener.

However, he could start from the bench in that game, with Smith beginning the match at 13. This would allow Palasia to cover prop and 13 if needed, and would put less pressure on his return to the field.

Bench: Jarrod O’Connor, Keenan Palasia, Cooper Jenkins, Presley Cassell