Predicting Leeds Rhinos line-up for Super League Round One clash

Leeds Rhinos have been hit with a number of serious blows ahead of the new Super League season which could hurt their chances of having the strong start they want.

With that in mind, we have taken a look at how they will likely line-up in Round One against Salford Red Devils.

Fullback: Lachie Miller
Set to debut at fullback is Lachie Miller. Based on his performance against Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day, he is a ball of energy and always likely to be able to create something out of nothing.

Wingers: David Fusitu’a and Ash Handley
Two great wingers who are equally good at scoring as well as making metres from deep which is a key asset in the modern game and also the way Rohan Smith likes his side to play.

Centres: Harry Newman and Paul Momirovski
Harry Newman will have a point to prove in 2024 with his future up in the air. If he can stay fit he is a shoe in for the Dream Team. On the left, Paul Momirovski will give Leeds further strike power.

Halfbacks: Brodie Croft and Matt Frawley
Speaking of strike power, Leeds now have the most dangerous halfback in the league at their disposal in former Man of Steel Brodie Croft. He will be partnered by Matt Frawley who will provide great balance.

Props: Mikolaj Oledzki and James Donaldson
Here’s where things get tricky for Leeds. The Rhinos could be without Tom Holroyd, Sam Lisone, Kieran Hudson and Mickael Goudemand. The obvious player to turn to in this case would be Justin Sangare. However, he is more dangerous on the bench so asking James Donaldson to start the game down the middle alongside Mikolaj Oledzki would make a lot of sense.

Hooker: Andy Ackers
Leeds’ new number nine will start at hooker in the shape of Andy Ackers. He will be key to the new look Leeds attack.

Second-Rowers: Rhyse Martin and Morgan Gannon
James Bentley has been battling with injuries this pre-season and though he is likely to be fit for Round One he may start on the bench especially as he may be required more down the middle due to the injuries in the pack.

Loose-Forward: Cameron Smith
New skipper Cameron Smith will be key to supporting the props in the Super League opener but his skills will also be vital in attack.

Substitutes: James Bentley, Jarrod O’Connor, Justin Sangare, Tom Nicholson-Watton
Leeds’ injuries could see young forward Tom Nicholson-Watton feature in Round One if James McDonnell isn’t fit to feature. Justin Sangare will provide explosivity off the bench whilst James Bentley can come on and do a similar job to James Bentley. Jarrod O’Connor provides cover at nine and 13.

Leeds Rhinos dealing with mini-injury crisis

As has been long reported, Leeds are already starting to face a mini injury crisis down the middle.

It has long been known that Sam Lisone will miss the opening fixture of the season whilst Kieran Hudson has been a doubt since signing due to a achilles injury which kept him out for Castleford Tigers last year.

As for Tom Holroyd, for a while he has been touch and go ahead of the start of the Super League season but the new blow, revealed by Leeds Live, is that to Mickael Goudemand, Many were expecting him to start at prop in Round One given the other injuries picked up.

If Tom Holroyd and Mickael Goudemand can be fit for Round One that will go a long way to helping resolve Leeds’ pack problems.