Brad Arthur will be chasing his first win in charge of Leeds Rhinos this evening when he takes his side to Huddersfield Giants. The Rhinos were unfortunate last time out against Hull KR, but on the back of the short turnaround, they’ll be feeling confident as they prepare to travel across West Yorkshire.
The Rhinos are four points off the top six at present and with the form of those ahead of them in the table being patchy at best, they have the opportunity to pile the pressure on with a win. Huddersfield will be no pushovers, though, and while they are still without a head coach following the dismissal of Ian Watson, they’ll be keen to build on the win they secured last time out.
The Giants saw off Salford Red Devils on home soil last Friday and it’s fair to say they’ll be approaching this one with their tails up under Luke Robinson. Huddersfield are four points below Leeds in the table and with just nine games left to play, they have their work cut out if they’re to make up the gap between themselves and the top six.
Leeds Rhinos injury news
Leeds have been boosted by the return of James Bentley, who returns to the 21-man squad for the first time since March and could feature. However, the Rhinos have seen winger David Fusitu’a drop out of the fold with a calf injury and he isn’t expected to feature again until next month.
He joins an injury list that includes Mickael Goudemand (shoulder) and Justin Sangare (knee), while Tom Holroyd and Morgan Gannon continue to miss out with head injuries. Kieran Hudson, Ned McCormack, Riley Lumb (all hamstring), Leon Ruan (hip) and Max Simpson (knee) are also missing.
Huddersfield injury news
Huddersfield have been boosted by the returns of Thomas Deakin and Connor Carr from respective head and ankle issues. However, they will be without Sam Hewitt and Andre Savelio through suspension, while they have seen Oliver Wilson ruled out for the remainder of the season through injury.
Seb Ikahihifo remains sidelined after missing last week with a head injury. Adam Swift (groin), Joe Greenwood (pec), Esan Marsters (knee) and Jack Murchie (knee) will also miss the clash through injury.
