Jamie Jones-Buchanan hints that Jack Sinfield and Max Simpson could be given debuts against Castleford Tigers

With injuries to Aidan Sezer, Richie Myler and Jack Walker, Leeds have problems in the spine going into their Easter Monday clash with Castleford.

Meanwhile, the absence of Liam Tindall to a hip injury after the loss of David Fusitu’a leaves a hole on the wing.

Although Leeds have first team options they could consider in both positions with Kruise Leeming potentially coming into the halves with Brad Dwyer at nine whilst Jack Broadbent can come onto the wing, it seems interim coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan could turn to two 17-year-olds instead.

Buchanan was a member of the golden generation who burst onto the scene two decades ago and formed the backbone of one of Super League’s greatest sides winning eight titles in 14 seasons, and he could be set to give two young men the chance to be the first in a new generation of young Rhinos talent in the shape of Jack Sinfield and Max Simpson.

Both have been included in Leeds’ 21-man squad for Monday’s clash with Castleford and Buchanan has hinted that both could feature at the Jungle with Simpson – usually a centre – on the wing and Sinfield at seven.

In an interview with the Rhinos on Twitter, Buchanan talked up the young duo and what they can bring to the side: “There’s some real pedigree in there and we all know where Jack’s come from and he’s very much in the image of his dad but at the same time, he’s not his dad, he’s Jack. He’s his own individual self and brings a uniqueness to the way he plays without losing any of that professionalism or the intent that we saw from Kev.

“That’s exactly what we want to see for this next generation and you look at Max Simpson and he’s a bit of a freak for such a young boy you look at him, he’s quite slight, young in the face but he’s very well developed and the numbers that he’s been putting out physically in training have been exceptional that put him right at the top competing against seasoned professionals.”

Jamie Jones-Buchanan says he is excited to see 17-year-olds Max Simpson and Jack Sinfield get their opportunity in the first team squad ahead of the Bank Holiday Monday clash with Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, live on Sky Sports
➡️ In full https://t.co/6LkDuuggha pic.twitter.com/Laov4bN9qy

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) April 17, 2022

Both were superb against Wigan’s under 18s on Thursday with Sinfield’s heroics leading the Rhinos to victory. Should Sinfield debut here he’ll debut just one year older than his dad who made his first appearance for Leeds in 1996 at the age of 16 as he began a trophy laden career as a Leeds player becoming the league’s most successful skipper.

You can watch Buchanan’s full interview here: