With most of his experienced players fully-fit, Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur has some decisions to make before he names his team for Saturday’s derby with Wakefield Trinity.
Leeds will be without winger Maika Sivo for the whole season after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Ash Handley’s testimonial against Wigan Warriors three weeks ago.
Full-back Lachie Miller could be out until early next month with a calf muscle problem and half-back Jack Sinfield injured a foot in last week’s Challenge Cup win over Wests Warriors, but Jarrod O’Connor is available after damaging knee ligaments in pre-season.
Here’s how Rhinos could line up.
Full-back: Jake Connor
One of Rhinos’ stars in pre-season and will have a big role as goal kicker.
Wing: Riley Lumb.
Favourite to get the spot for the opening Super League game, though Alfie Edgell is another option.
Centre: Harry Newman.
There’s more competition for centre spots this year, but it’d be a huge shock if the England man didn’t start.
Centre: Ash Handley.
Likely to remain in his new role, despite the loss of Sivo.
Wing: Ryan Hall.
Back at the club, aged 37 – and still as good as ever.
Stand-off: Brodie Croft.
If Rhinos are going to achieve anything this year, they’ll need the former Man of Steel to be at his best.
Scrum-half: Matt Frawley.
The Australian remains Rhinos’ first-choice scrum-half.
Prop: Mikolaj Oledzki
Will return to the side after being rested for last week’s Cup tie.
Hooker: Andy Ackers.
Jack Sinfield started out of position at nine last week, but the England World Cup man is likely to get the gig on Saturday.
Second-row: James Bentley
Likely to return after being rested last week.
Second-row: James McDonnell.
A workhorse in Rhinos’ pack and rarely misses a game.
Loose-forward: Cameron Smith.
Will be looking for a big start to an important year.
Sub: Jarrod O’Connor.
Available after a knee injury and set to continue his long ever-present Super League run.
Sub: Sam Lisone.
Made a big impact against the amateurs last week and will be required to do the same.
Sub: Morgan Gannon.
Could make his first Super League appearance since 2023 after coming through last week unscathed.
Sub: Cooper Jenkins.
May get the nod as a second prop on the bench.
To miss out.
If that 17 is correct, new signing Ethan Clark-Wood will miss out on Saturday, along with Tom Nicholson-Watton, Tom Holroyd and Alfie Edgell.
Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brad Arthur has named his squad to face Wakefield Trinity in Round One of the Betfred Super League with new signing Ethan Clark-Wood included.
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) February 13, 2025
