Huge boost for Leeds Rhinos all but confirmed

Leeds Rhinos take on Huddersfield Giants on Easter Sunday to wrap up Rivals Rounds.

The squad news is now in and there is a major inclusion for the Rhinos who have been able to name star winger Ash Handley.

Handley has been absent since an ankle injury against Wakefield Trinity in Round Four after he scored a length of the field effort against Champions St Helens.

Coach Rohan Smith revealed midweek that he had a chance of playing.

The other big news is the absence of new signing Derrell Olpherts.

The winger struggled against Hull KR last week in the rain and isn’t included.

David Fusitu’a is out for six to eight weeks after suffering “a decent ankle” injury last week.

Liam Tindall could replace him with a first appearance of the season after starring for Bradford Bulls on dual registration.

Luis Roberts is also absent but Leon Ruan is named.

However, there may have been some doubters that Handley would be fit to play but he has all but confirmed that he will feature on the Rhinos’ YouTube channel.

“Yeah I am really looking forward to it,” he said.

“It has been tough with the injury and a bit going on to be fair.

“It has settled down really well and I am looking forward to getting back in it.

“I am looking forward to it and hopefully it will be good weather and I look forward to getting out in front of the fans and putting on a show.

“I like to be as fit as I can be and be consistent so it knocked me off my stride a bit but I am ready to go.”