Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Leopards teams with Brad Arthur making Rhinos pack shuffle

One of two Friday night games sees Leeds Rhinos host Leigh Leopards at AMT Headingley as both sides look to close the gap to the top two.

Leigh sit one place above the Rhinos in third and fourth, respectively, but Leigh’s draw with Hull FC gives them an extra point.

However, Leeds defence is the third best in the competition, compared to the Leopards seventh best.

A tight game could go more in Leigh’s favour, but it’s sure to be an evenly matched encounter.

Following the squad news during the week, here are the matchday teams for Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Leopards.

Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Leopards squads

Leeds Rhinos team news

Leeds boss Brad Arthur has made three changes to the side that lost to St Helens last Friday.

Morgan Gannon left that game in a boot and is now out with a shin injury. Riley Lumb and James Bentley also drop out of the seventeen.

In their place comes youngster Alfie Edgell on the wing to pair with Ash Handley in the centres.

Cooper Jenkins returns to the side and comes in at prop, with Keenan Palasia moving into the loose forward role.

In Gannon’s absence, Kallum Watkins moves from loose forward into the second row.

Bentley’s spot on the bench goes to halfback Jack Sinfield, who could spell at hooker with starter Jarrod O’Connor.

Leeds Rhinos XIII: Lachlan Miller, Ryan Hall, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Alfie Edgell, Jake Connor, Brodie Croft, Cooper Jenkins, Jarrod O’Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, James McDonnell, Kallum Watkins, Keenan Palasia.

Interchanges: Tom Holroyd, Sam Lisone, Jack Sinfield, Cameron Smith.

Leigh Leopards team news

Leigh coach Adrian Lam has made some big calls to include two big names, but has only made one change to the side that beat Catalans Dragons last week.

David Armstrong and Gareth O’Brien were both doubtful to face the Rhinos, but both players make the starting line-up.

In the only change, Alec Tuitavake is suspended for this match, so Jack Hughes returns for a spot on the bench.

Leigh Leopards XIII: David Armstrong, Darnell McIntosh, Tesi Niu, Umyla Hanley, Keanan Brand, Gareth O’Brien, Lachlan Lam, Joe Ofahengaue, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Owen Trout, Frankie Halton, Isaac Liu.

Interchanges: Jack Hughes, Ethan O’Neill, Matty Davies, Ben McNamara.