Leeds Rhinos could have Lachie Miller available for the first time this season when they visit St Helens on Friday – which means coach Brad Arthur has a decision to make.
Miller, who has been sidelined since September with hamstring and calf injuries, is Rhinos’ first-choice full-back, but Jake Connor has played there in all five games so far this year and has been arguably Leeds’ most outstanding player.
Rhinos will be without Matt Frawley for the Challenge Cup fourth round tie at Saints after he suffered concussion in last week’s loss at Catalans Dragons. That could open the door for Miller to return at full-back, with Connor switching to scrum-half, though Jack Sinfield is also an option in the halves. Here’s how Leeds Rhinos could line up.
Full-back: Lachie Miller
Arthur says a final decision hasn’t been made, but Miller will be back either on Friday or against Wigan Warriors eight days later, having been on the injury list since last September.
Wing: Riley Lumb
The youngster is in good form and was Rhinos’ best player last week.
Centre: Harry Newman
There is some competition with Ethan Clark-Wood up and running, but it’ll be a shock if the England man misses out.
Centre: Ash Handley
Guaranteed a place in the team when fit; the only question is whether he should revert to wing, but Brad Arthur is unlikely to make a change.
Wing: Ryan Hall
Missed out with a rib injury last week, but will return if given the all-clear.
Stand-off: Brodie Croft
Will be better for a game under his belt following his return from concussion last week.
Scrum-half: Jake Connor
Surely has to be in the 13 and if Lachie Miller is at full-back, this is the obvious solution.
Prop: Mikolaj Oledzki
Only injury would force a change here.
Hooker: Andy Ackers
Has been getting a lot of game time and will need to be at his best against Saints.
Prop: Keenan Palasia
Will certainly be in the 13, could potentially switch to ‘loose-forward’ if Brad Arthur decides to start with an extra prop.
Second-row: James Bentley
Tends to be in the thick of things against his former club.
Second-row: James McDonnell
Showed a new side to his game with a couple of impressive kicks against Catalans last week.
Loose-forward: Morgan Gannon
Has been good, in several roles, since returning from a year-long concussion layoff.
Sub: Jarrod O’Connor
Will get good game time, provides cover for both hooker and the back-row.
Sub: Sam Lisone
Hasn’t had a lot of time on the field in recent games, but will retain his spot.
Sub: Cooper Jenkins
Likely to continue among the replacements for his fourth Rhinos appearance.
Sub: Jack Sinfield
If Miller doesn’t make it, Sinfield will probably start at scrum-half; if not, his most likely role is on the bench.
