Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith reveals Ash Handley and Rhyse Martin replacements for Super League play-off clash

Leeds Rhinos will have to do without two of their key players for tomorrow night’s away clash at the Catalans Dragons.

The Rhinos will be without Ash Handley who will not feature after fracturing a bone in his foot.

“He’s got a fracture in the fifth metatarsal. It’s currently not in a bad place in terms of fractures but he might yet play for the Rhinos if we reach the Grand Final. That would most likely be his week,” Smith said.

“We’ve got a settled spine and our big guys got through really well it’s just our outside backs that are struggling.”

Meanwhile, another key player that Smith will be without is Rhyse Martin with Smith believing that a review of the whole process may take place at the end of the season following his upgraded ban for a high tackle and then a frivolous challenge.

“The RFL are undergoing massive changes and with that comes change and review and you would imagine based on the amount of talk on the Match Review Panel there would be an official review done.

“It was a glancing touch, there was no swinging arm or intent. players didn’t react, Ben Thaler – who is one of the most experienced refs in the game – and the video ref in his ear and they didn’t pick it up.”

The Leeds has, however, revealed who will replace Handley on the wing as well as Martin as goalkicker.

“We are having a tournament after training, there are a fair few that fancy it in training but Zak struck the ball nicely when Rhyse missed that game not too long ago. Aidan Sezer has been a quality 80% goalkicker during his career.

“Liam Tindall will play on the wing, we’ve got Fusitua and Handley and Simpson missing probably Newman.

“We’ve not got a bunch of options there. Zak will be back at centre.”