Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls have both been forced into changes ahead of today’s West Yorkshire derby with Brad Arthur’s side eager to bounce back after last week’s shock defeat.
The Rhinos went down to Castleford Tigers as they saw their winning streak come to an abrupt end in a sloppy performance at the Jungle, whereas Bradford lost against a strong Wakefield side.
Leeds lost Danny Levi in that game to a scary failed HIA so he automatically drops out but Jarrod O’Connor is a timely return for the Rhinos.
As for Bradford, they confirmed yet more season-ending injuries after last week’s loss with Kurt Haggerty only able to name a 19-man squad ahead of this game.
Both he and Brad Arthur have now selected their matchday squads with Leeds aiming to go two points clear atop Super League once again.
Leeds Rhinos team news
As well as Danny Levi failing a HIA, Chris Hankinson was also ruled out after last week and Ben Littlewood replaces him in one of three changes to the starting XIII.
Jarrod O’Connor replaces Danny Levi whilst Kallum Watkins starts at loose forward as Cameron Smith drops to the bench, where he is joined by Tom Holroyd, Presley Cassell and Tom Nicholson-Watton.
Keenan Palasia (foot) and Ash Handley (appendix) remain out of the side.
Leeds Rhinos XIII: Lachie Miller, Maika Sivo, Jack Bird, Harry Newman, Alfie Edgell, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Cooper Jenkins, Ben Littlewood, James McDonnell, Kallum Watkins
Interchanges: Tom Holroyd, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell, Tom Nicholson-Watton
Your Leeds Rhinos team to face Bradford Bulls this afternoon at AMT Headingley, kick off 3pm pic.twitter.com/1g92hNRuyQ
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) July 26, 2026
Bradford Bulls team news
Waqa Blake drops out after confirmation of his season-ending injury with Luke Hooley replacing him in the centres.
Changes in the pack see Dan Russell (eye) drop out as Phoenix Steinwede makes his return after a hamstring injury.
Alfie Leake is named as 18th man with a bench of Riley Dean, Will Gardiner, Ebon Scurr and Elliot Peposhi selected.
Bradford Bulls XIII: Caleb Aekins, Connor Wynne, Guy Armitage, Luke Hooley, Ethan Ryan, Jayden Nikorima, Chris Atkin, Ryan Sutton, Andy Ackers, Jack Ormondroyd, Phoenix Steinwede, Zac Fulton, Joe Mellor
Interchanges: Ebon Scurr, Elliot Peposhi, Will Gardiner Riley Dean
👥 LINE UP | How we shape up on Derby Day!#RunWithTheBulls pic.twitter.com/HY7jEFhIQ7
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) July 26, 2026
