Coach Brad Arthur will be demanding a big improvement from his Leeds Rhinos side at Salford Red Devils on Saturday.
Rhinos slumped 14-12 at home to Wakefield Trinity in Betfred Super League last weekend and have lost pack leader Mikolaj Oledzki who is ruled out with concussion.
That means one enforced change, but will Arthur be tempted to make others so early in the season? Here’s how Rhinos could line up.
Full-back: Jake Connor
With Lachie Miller still sidelined, the pre-season signing will get another chance to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.
Wing: Riley Lumb
Alfie Edgell is an alternative, but Lumb deserves another chance.
Centre: Harry Newman
A try scorer last week, any change here would be a shock.
Centre: Ash Handley
Handley could move to a wing, with Ethan Clark-Wood at centre, but Arthur probably won’t change his pre-season plans after one game.
Wing: Ryan Hall
Probably Leeds’ best player last week.
Stand-off: Brodie Croft
Leeds will need a big game from the former Man of Steel against his previous club, after an off day last week.
Scrum-half: Matt Frawley
No change expected here, particularly with back-up half Jack Sinfield on the casualty list.
Prop: Tom Holroyd
Holroyd went well in pre-season and was strong off the bench last week, so – with Mikoalj Oledzki injured – could get a rare start.
Hooker: Andy Ackers
Might not have to do the full game this week, with Jarrod O’Connor set to return off the bench, but will probably keep his starting spot.
Prop: Keenan Palasia
Will continue in the starting front-row.
Second-row: James Bentley
Morgan Gannon is pressing for a starting spot, but it would be a surprise if Bentley didn’t continue.
Second-row: James McDonnell
Also has Morgan Gannon breathing down his neck, but will probably retain his starting role.
Loose-forward: Cameron Smith
Co-captain, alongside Ash Handley and remains one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Sub: Jarrod O’Connor
Expected to return from a pre-season knee injury after his contribution off the bench was missed last week.
Sub: Cooper Jenkins
Eighteenth man last week, Mikolaj Oledzki’s injury is likely to hand him a Super League debut.
Sub: Sam Lisone
Rhinos’ top try scorer so far this season, with four.
Sub: Morgan Gannon
Made an impact off the bench last week in his first Super League game since September, 2023.
To miss out:
If that’s the 17, Alfie Edgell, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Jack Smith and Ethan Clark-Wood will be the unused squad members for Leeds Rhinos.
