Rohan Smith confirms new signing will play reserves this weekend

Leeds Rhinos’ squad is getting closer and closer to a clean bill of health.

Harry Newman is back and Mikolaj Oledzki could be back in a couple of weeks’ time.

Oledzki has been absent after surgery as has new signing from Batley Bulldogs Luke Hooley.

However, Hooley is nearing fitness and will feature against Castleford Tigers’ Reserves on Saturday as Rohan Smith confirmed today in his press conference.

Smith said of Hooley:

“Luke will be playing in the reserves game on Saturday against Castleford.”

Smith is looking forward to seeing him play: “Yeah we’re looking forward to see him. He started pre-season in promising fashion, he had an unfortunate training injury.

“He is excited to play and we’re excited to see him back.

“It will be a few weeks away until he can contest.”

Smith also had huge praise for James McDonnell who has started in the backrow in the last two weeks:

“I think he has done a tremendous job for us. He has played 80 minutes two weeks in a row which is a big step for him. He came wanting an opportunity to be a weekly top 17 player and he has taken the opportunity.

“He has fitted in well on the right edge allowing Derrell and Nene to drive the ball and taking more defensive duties.”