Leeds Rhinos lose star signing for St Helens clash as key man still ruled out

St Helens face Leeds Rhinos on Friday evening in the televised game but they’ll return to the Totally Wicked Stadium without their leader James Roby.

It’s the first game that the Red Vee will play at home since they were crowned World Club Champions and it’s set to be a special occasion as it is also a repeat of the 2022 Grand Final.

Rohan Smith’s Leeds Rhinos visit looking for their first win of the season but they’ll face a strong St Helens side.

The game kicks off at 20:00.

Coverage starts on Sky Sports Arena from 19:30.

Saints are boosted by the return of Tommy Makinson after the star winger missed their round one fixture.

Makinson had failed a HIA in the World Club Challenge and therefore was declared unavailable to train for 12 days under the new concussion protocols, ruling him out for their trip to the Jungle.

⚪ 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🔴

Paul Wellens has named his 21-man squad for the World Club Champions homecoming, and first home game of the @SuperLeague season, against @leedsrhinos!

Read more 👇#COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) March 1, 2023

Skipper James Roby and centre Will Hopoate both remain missing after picking up knocks during their trip down under, whilst Joe Batchelor is still dealing with an injury that prevented him from playing in that game.

Agnatius Paasi also misses out in the match that is expected to be a sell-out crowd with the World Club Challenge trophy set to be paraded pre-game.

Leeds Rhinos have lost star signing Sam Lisone to illness and James Bentley isn’t fit to feature as he battles back from injury. He was named in the 21-man squad.

This means James McDonnell debuts at centre and Sam Walters is named on the bench.

Jarrod O’Connor replaces Kruise Leeming at nine like in the Grand Final between the two teams.