Injuries to pivotal players make it difficult to predict Leeds Rhinos’ lineup for Sunday’s home derby with Castleford Tigers.
Leeds will be without stand-off Brodie Croft and loose-forward Cameron Smith and have doubts over half-backs Matt Frawley and Jack Sinfield.
Frawley needed eight stitches in a badly cut hand during last week’s win at Salford Red Devils and Sinfield has missed two games because of a bruised foot.
The good news for Leeds is prop Mikolaj Oledzki’s likely return after a one-game concussion layoff. Much will depend on whether Frawley and Sinfield are cleared to play, but here’s how Rhinos could line up.
Leeds Rhinos predicted lineup
Full-back: Alfie Edgell
Yet to start this season, but could come into the 17 in his favoured position.
Wing: Riley Lumb
Two tries and a Sky TV man of the match performance last week, will be keen to face his hometown club.
Centre: Harry Newman.
No change expected here.
Centre: Ash Handley.
Set to continue in his new role, now as stand-alone captain.
Wing: Ryan Hall
A try scorer last week and has begun his second Rhinos career in good form.
Stand-off: Jake Connor
Brodie Croft is already unavailable and if either Matt Frawley or Jack Sinfield are also ruled out, moving Connor from full-back could be the answer. If both are cleared, Sinfield’s likely to step in.
Scrum-half: Matt Frawley
In doubt because of a hand injury, but got through the second half with it last week and played well.
Prop: Mikolaj Oledzki
Set to return after a one-game concussion layoff.
Hooker: Andy Ackers.
Has played the full 80 in both league games so far and may have to again.
Prop: Keenan Palasia.
Will continue in the starting front-row after an outstanding performance last week.
Second-row: James Bentley
Overcame a poor start to have a strong game last week.
Second-row: James McDonnell
One of Leeds’ unsung heroes, was very good against Salford.
Loose-forward: Jarrod O’Connor
Could step up off the bench to replace the injured Cameron Smith, as he did in last week’s game.
Sub: Tom Holroyd.
Had a big impact off the bench last week.
Sub: Sam Lisone.
Didn’t get much gametime last week, but should retain his spot.
Sub: Morgan Gannon
Was a replacement half last week and could start there, but might cover that and loose-forward from the bench.
Sub: Ethan Clark-Wood
Depending on who’s available, he could get a debut if Leeds go with an outside-back on the bench.
The Rhinos welcome back Mikolaj Oledzki and Jack Sinfield for this Sunday’s clash with Castleford Tigers at AMT Headingley, kick off 3pm.
Make sure you are there – book your ticket now at https://t.co/5Ly9s1IdTg— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) February 28, 2025
