Leeds Rhinos have been forced into a late change against Leigh Leopards today.
In a surprise twist, winger David Fusitu’a was set to play centre – a role he has played in the past in the NRL.
However, he has now dropped out of the line up with young centre Levi Edwards instead coming into the starting 13 and young Alfie Edgell coming onto the bench after both impressed on Boxing Day against Wakefield Trinity.
There was another surprise as Smith named Ash Handley at fullback with Richie Myler on the bench.
Fusitu’a may miss out his former teammate in the NRL debuts for the Rhinos today in the shape of Sam Lisone.
He starts on the bench as another debutant Luis Roberts starts on the wing against his former club.
On the other flank, Derrell Olpherts makes his second appearance at centre with Liam Tindall on the wing.
Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin start in the halves with Kruise Leeming at hooker.
Young men Sam Walters and Tom Holroyd are the props with Zane Tetevano starting in the back row a role he played well last year.
New signing Leon Ruan makes his first start alongside Tetevano with James Donaldson at 13.
Jack Sinfield returns from injury to feature on the bench whilst Jarrod O’Connor, Morgan Gannon and new signings James McDonnell and Justin Sangare are also amongst the subs.
Here’s the team in full:
TEAM NEWS | The Rhinos team is confirmed for this afternoon's clash with @LeighRLFC_ .
Great to see @LuisRoberts52 and @samlisone in for their first Rhinos appearances đź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/4Mly7mULIz
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) January 21, 2023
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