Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith has been forced into a shock change ahead of tonight’s clash with the Huddersfield Giants.
Hooker Kruise Leeming is out with illness so Jarrod O’Connor makes a curious start at number nine with Brad Dwyer on the bench.
Elsewhere, Harry Newman marks his return from a serious hamstring injury on the bench alongside fellow returnee Sam Walters.
Zak Hardaker once again starts at fullback with Liam Sutcliffe and Rhyse Martin in the centres, and Ash Handley and David Fusitu’a on the wings.
Richie Myler partners Blake Austin in the halves as Zane Tetevano and Mikolaj Oledzki lead the pack alongside O’Connor at number nine.
Alongside Newman, Dwyer and Walters on the bench sits Matt Prior as Smith names an experienced squad with Morgan Gannon out with suspension.
The Rhinos are looking for their third win in a row after consecutive victories over Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves with the latter in particular in impressive fashion.
With Austin appearing to have a new lease of life at Headingley and Hardaker bringing so much to the club on and off the field, the good times look destined to return to Leeds in the near future.
Of course, beating Huddersfield on their own patch will be no mean feat considering how well Ian Watson’s men are currently doing in the league after losing the Challenge Cup Final in heartbreaking circumstances.
