West Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity are both close to full-strength for Saturday’s Betfred Super League round one showdown at AMT Headingley.
Three members of Rhinos’ top-20 squad are unavailable through injury, including a star pre-season signing who won’t play at all this year.
Two players who have yet to make their competitive debut are among four members of Trinity’s first-choice lineup on the casualty list.
Here’s who is ruled out – including fringe first-team players – and when they could be back on the field.
Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity injury news
Leeds Rhinos:
Lachie Miller
The full-back began pre-season carrying a hamstring injury and subsequently picked up a calf muscle issue. He hopes to be back to fitness for Super League round four, in March, but that’s involves a flight to France so he may be given another week.
Maika Sivo
Leeds’ star wing signing suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Ash Handley’s testimonial game against Wigan Warriors on January 26 and won’t play a competitive match this year.
Jack Sinfield
The half-back/hooker suffered bruising to a foot against Wests Warriors last Saturday. It is not thought to be long-term, but needs another week to settle down.
Ben Littlewood
The 20-year-old forward, who made his debut last term, underwent surgery on a hamstring injury early in pre-season. A return date has not yet been confirmed.
Ned McCormack
The rookie centre hasn’t played since suffering hamstring damage in the act of scoring against Warrington last July and a return date has not been announced.
Max Simpson
The centre is back in training and hopes to return to playing next month, for the first time since an anterior cruciate ligament injury 24 months ago.
Fergus McCormack
Like his elder brother, the teenage half-back has a hamstring injury and no return date has been given.
Wakefield Trinity:
Cam Scott
The former Hull FC centre has a hamstring injury and is expected to wait another six-eight weeks for his competitive debut.
Seth Nikotemo
The second-rower, signed after starring for Ipswich Jets last year, suffered a broken thumb in a pre-season game against Castleford Tigers. He will be unavailable for at least eight weeks.
Josh Griffin
Griffin, who can play centre or second-row, underwent surgery on a groin injury in the off-season, but could be back on the field in around three weeks’ time.
Renouf Atoni
The ex-NRL forward has a calf muscle injury, but could return when Trinity play host to Hull KR next Thursday, or for the following week’s visit of St Helens.
