Leeds Rhinos host Castleford Tigers on Sunday in Round Three of Super League and both sides have named their 21-man squads.
The Rhinos are back at home which is where they lost in Round One to Wakefield Trinity, however, they got in the win column with a resounding 32-6 win over Salford Red Devils last weekend.
That win came at a huge cost though as stars Brodie Croft and Cam Smith were forced off before half time with Croft failing a HIA and Smith now confirmed to be sidelined for eight to ten weeks.
Croft’s playing partner Matt Frawley also suffered a hand injury that saw him require eight stitches with head coach Brad Arthur conceding it’s still unclear if he will play on Sunday.
As for Castleford, they regressed from their spirited Round One display against Hull KR with Danny McGuire’s side being hammered at home against St Helens in a performance that McGuire labelled ‘soft’.
He also conceded that he was ‘worried’ about this Sunday’s game with both head coaches now naming their 21-man squads.
Leeds Rhinos team news
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
Both Croft and Smith drop out of the 21-man squad with Jack Sinfield and Mikolaj Oledzki replacing the pair.
Oledzki returns after failing a HIA in Round One whereas Sinfield has been dealing with a foot injury sustained in the Challenge Cup win over Wests Warriors.
With his return, it’s likely that he will partner Matt Frawley in the halves providing both men are fully fit but Brad Arthur will likely look to Jake Connor if required.
Alfie Edgell will also be an option at full-back to cover Connor whilst Oledzki will return to the pack with Jarrod O’Connor likely to play loose forward in the absence of Cam Smith.
Leeds Rhinos squad: Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, Matt Frawley, Mikolaj Oledzki, Andy Ackers, Keenan Palasia, James Bentley, James McDonnell, Jarrod O’Connor, Sam Lisone, Morgan Gannon, Cooper Jenkins, Jake Connor, Tom Holroyd, Jack Sinfield, Alfie Edgell, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Riley Lumb, Ethan Clark Wood, Jack Smith
Castleford Tigers team news
Tigers’ squad for Leeds on Sunday pic.twitter.com/I5R3gQWIqj
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) February 28, 2025
As for Castleford, they released Liam Watts from his contract last night so the prop forward drops out of the 21-man squad but he is the only change.
In his place, George Hill is selected with that being the only change that Danny McGuire has made from the side who were beaten 46-6 against St Helens.
Loanees Dan Okoro and Lee Kershaw remain in the squad with Kershaw replacing Josh Simm last weekend.
Castleford Tigers squad: Tex Hoy, Zac Cini, Sam Wood, Innes Senior, Daejarn Asi, Liam Horne, George Lawler, Jeremiah Simbiken, Alex Mellor, Joe Westerman, Judah Rimbu, George Griffin, Luke Hooley, Josh Hodson, Muzz Mustapha, Sylvester Namo, Fletcher Rooney, Josh Simm, George Hill, Dan Okoro, Lee Kershaw
