Leeds Rhinos provide team selection hint for Salford Red Devils as first teamer features for reserves against Huddersfield Giants

Yesterday Rohan Smith named his 21-man squad for the clash with Salford Red Devils on Sunday.

A win for Leeds would see them take sixth spot for the first time this season whilst a defeat would leave Leeds in ninth three points adrift of the play-offs as a result.

Thus, it’s a massive game for the Rhinos in the context of their season and thus absolutely need to get their team selection right.

The Rhinos have lost Matt Prior who was sent off in the comeback win over Catalans ironically making it all the more special. However, he copped a two-match ban as consequence. Fortunately, Zane Tetevano will be back from his own ban to replace him unless Smith opts for Sam Walters instead who returns from injury.

David Fusitu’a is set to replace Liam Tindall after missing last week’s win due to the birth of his second child.

This time around, Smith does have plenty of options though he will be in effect operating with a 20-man squad rather than a 21 after Corey Johnson starred for the reserves last night alongside Jack Sinfield who this time didn’t make the 21-man squad as he has over the last few weeks.

This likely means that despite only playing one game since his return from injury, there is no lingering doubt over Aidan Sezer’s availability after he was the match winner last week.

Moreover, it means Smith is settled on Jarrod O’Connor and Brad Dwyer as his two hookers which may surprise some Leeds fans with Dwyer set to leave at the end of the year while Johnson is a long term option in the role.

Ironically, Dwyer could join Salford with it being his most likely destination at this point. Could he damage their play-off hopes tomorrow as a welcome gift?

On the night Leeds defeated Huddersfield’s reserves 54-4 as Sinfield kicked seven goals and crossed for a try whilst Johnson as well crossed for four points in the first half.

Will his performance get him back into the side for the trip to Hull KR? Time will tell.