Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur has revealed a key selection decision ahead of Thursday’s huge top of the table clash with Warrington Wolves.
Rhinos’ 21-man squad includes three experienced, specialist centres and while captain Ash Handley is an automatic selection on the left, Arthur has had to choose between Harry Newman and Jack Bird on the other edge.
Bird is now fit and available following a four-game layoff, but – speaking at his preview press conference today (Tuesday) – Arthur said Newman will retain the role for as long as he is fit and playing well.
Newman featured in this year’s opening seven matches before losing his place to Bird and having a spell on loan at Hull FC.
He returned when Bird, an early-season signing from Australian club Wests Tigers, underwent knee surgery last month and has scored five tries in his last three appearances. “Birdy’s fit and ready, he is just waiting for his opportunity,” Arthur revealed. “Harry is playing [on Thursday]; Birdy is going to have to wait for his opportunity and when he gets his opportunity, make the most of it.
“At the moment the guys are putting pressure on me to come up with tough decisions. The guys that are in the team know they’ve got to continue to play well because there are guys who want to be in the team.”
Of Bird, he added: “The only thing the guys can control is their attitude towards it. They have no say in team selection, only around their choices and how they respond to it. That plays a big part in my motivation of whether I want to put them back in the team or not.”
Sir Kevin Sinfield, play-off race heats up and who can stop Wigan Warriors? – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show.
Leeds Rhinos boss talks Ryan Hall future
Another player waiting to make his comeback is prop Tom Holroyd, who has missed three games because of a back problem.
He is in the 21 for Thursday, but Arthur said: “Tom has only had the one real strong [training] session.
“He will get another one today and we just thought probably another week will do him the world of good.”
Meanwhile, Arthur says a decision has yet to be made on whether 38-year-old winger Ryan Hall will play on in 2027.
“We’re not sure at the moment,” he stated. “We are just seeing how he goes, we’ll get close to the end of the season and see where he’s at with his body. He will know what he needs to do.”
