Leeds Rhinos take on Salford Red Devils tonight in a repeat of their Round Two clash and we’ve predicted how Brad Arthur‘s side will line up.
It’s not overly uncommon for teams to face each other twice inside the opening months of a Super League season but this game is the exact same fixture as in Round Two with Leeds Rhinos making the trip to face Salford, hoping to earn another easy victory as they did then.
They won 32-6 that day with Salford’s try coming through Kallum Watkins who has since re-signed with Leeds Rhinos, however, the centre-turned-second-rower will not feature tonight.
However, there will be at least one change to Leeds Rhinos’ side at Salford Red Devils on Thursday with stand-off Brodie Croft set to miss the return to his former club because of a hamstring injury suffered against Warrington Wolves two weeks ago.
That could mean a recall to the 17 for Matt Frawley after a three-game absence whilst Alfie Edgell and Tom Nicholson-Watton are also vying for a place in the matchday team, along with teenagers Jack Smith and Presley Cassell, all of whom were named in the 21-man squad.
Here is our prediction of how Leeds Rhinos could line up.
Leeds Rhinos predicted line-up v Salford Red Devils
Full-back: Lachie Miller
This will be the fourth game of his comeback from long-term injury and he is hitting good form.
Wing: Riley Lumb
Scored a brace of tries when Rhinos won at Salford in February.
Centre: Harry Newman
Will be looking to continue a run of good form.
Centre: Ash Handley
The former winger is now becoming established in his new role.
Wing: Ryan Hall
On his performances so far this year, only injury would keep him out of the team.
Stand-off: Jake Connor
Could be named at number seven, but will be in one of the half-back roles.
Scrum-half: Matt Frawley
Jack Sinfield is also an option, but Frawley’s experience may secure his return from a two-game absence.
Prop: Mikolaj Oledzki
Not much chance of a change here.
Hooker: Jarrod O’Connor
Set to retain the starting role during Andy Ackers’ long injury layoff.
Prop: Connor Jenkins
Has done a good job as a starting front-rower and a change is unlikely.
Second-row: James Bentley
Ever-present so far and one of Rhinos’ top forwards this term.
Second-row: James McDonnell
Try scorer last time out, against Warrington and has featured in every game so far.
Loose-forward: Keenan Palasia
Rhinos have effectively been playing with an extra prop during Cameron Smith’s injury layoff and the tactic is likely to continue, though Palasia back to 10 and Morgan Gannon starting is an option.
Sub: Jack Sinfield
Might start, but can cover both half-back and hooker from the bench.
Sub: Morgan Gannon
May get a start – and would deserve it – but coach Brad Arthur likes his impact as a substitute.
Sub: Tom Holroyd
Has made a strong return from last year’s injury woes and unlikely to be left out when fit and available.
Sub: Sam Lisone
Hasn’t been getting a lot of game time – and Tom Nicholson-Watton is pressing for an opportunity – but it’ll be a surprise if he is left out.
SQUAD NEWS | Brad Arthur has named his 21-man squad to face @SalfordDevils on Thursday 👇 pic.twitter.com/ShQvDNnS1h
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) April 8, 2025
