Leeds Rhinos travel to the Stade Gilbert Brutus tonight – the home of the Catalans Dragons – as both sides attempt to progress to the semi-finals of the Super League play-offs.
Both sides had differing results in the last weekend of the regular season with a young Catalans side going down heavily against the Wigan Warriors, whilst Leeds left it until the last minute to eke out a result against the Castleford Tigers.
Now, though, the business end of the season is upon us with Rohan Smith and Steve McNamara hoping to inspire their respective chargers to Grand Final glory at the end of September.
The Rhinos do, however, have a few injury problems going into this one with the game coming too early for Harry Newman, who was included in Smith’s 21-man squad following an incredible recovery from a hamstring injury.
Ash Handley will also sit this one out, with the latter ruled out with a broken metatarsal whilst Rhyse Martin is of course banned.
The Dragons, meanwhile, welcomed back their talismanic number one Sam Tomkins.
Blake Austin does in fact start! After not being pictured in the team photo at Leeds-Bradford airport, there were fears he too had been left home, but he starts alongside Aidan Sezer in the halves.
Richie Myler starts at fullback with Zak Hardaker in the centres.
Jarrod O’Connor is at hooker with Kruise Leeming surprisingly on the bench which means that Brad Dwyer has not shaken off the injury he sustained against Castleford. Cameron Smith also starts over Zane Tetevano in the second-row as Liam Tindall comes in for Ash Handley.
Rohan Smith has named his starting lineup to face Catalans Dragons tonight, live on @SkySports, kick off 8pm UK
🤝 In partnership with @BoardrmUK #YourFutureOurPassion pic.twitter.com/ZeryrvXmNQ— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 9, 2022
