Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has named his strongest team for Saturday’s friendly clash with Bradford Bulls at Headingley Stadium.
The clash will act as Cameron Smith’s testimonial contest, but it is also Leeds’ last outing before the competitive action begins next month with Leeds facing either Widnes Vikings or Thatto Heath Crusaders in the third round of the Challenge Cup.
And, Arthur has not held back with his selection, with every fit and available first-team player included in the squad to face the Bulls.
The clash is Leeds’ third friendly of the off-season, having faced off against Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers over the last month, but it’s fair to say that on both occasions the Rhinos fielded a youthful side.
This week will be different and with just three more weeks to go until the start of the Super League season, Arthur will be keen to see his side impress.
Lachie Miller starts at full-back then, with Chris Hankinson, Harry Newman, Ash Handley and Ryan Hall in the outside backs.
Brodie Croft and Jake Connor will play together in the halves for the first time in 2026, while new signing Danny Levi will get a run out from the start.
Cooper Jenkins and Tom Holroyd start in the front-row. Ethan O’Neill will be keen to show what he can do after joining from Leigh Leopards over the off-season and he plays alongside NRL bound James McDonnell.
Smith is named at loose-forward of course, with Kallum Watkins set to come off the bench later in the game.
There’s no Jeremiah Mata’utia, though, with the prop picking up an injury last week, while Maika Sivo isn’t quite ready to play in this one either as he approaches his return from an ACL injury.
Leeds Rhinos team to face Bradford Bulls on Saturday
Lachie Miller; Chris Hankinson, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall; Brodie Croft, Jake Connor; Cooper Jenkins, Danny Levi, Tom Holroyd; Ethan O’Neill, James McDonnell; Cam Smith.
Bench: Mikolaj Oldezki, Jarrod O’Connor, Kallum Watkins, Max Simpson, Presley Cassell, Riley Lumb, Ned McCormack, Ben Littlewood, Tom Nicholson-Watton, George Brown, Oscar Brown, Harley Thomas.
