Rohan Smith explains star signing’s curious recent absence

For the second time this season, Leeds Rhinos host Hull FC.

The Rhinos won their fourth game of the season on Sunday against Huddersfield Giants in a tightly fought battle in Rivals Round.

Against a struggling Hull FC side they will be hoping to claim back to back wins for only the second time this season.

They will also be looking for a first win against Hull FC at Headingley in front of fans since 2018.

Rohan Smith has named his 21 man squad to take on Hull FC the game at Headingley, kick off 8pm.

Smith includes all 17 players who were on duty on Easter Sunday in the 18-17 win over Huddersfield Giants plus James Donaldson and Sam Walters return to the squad having featured for Bradford Bulls on dual registration for their Easter Monday derby win over Halifax in the Betfred Championship.

Liam Tindall and Jack Sinfield are the remaining two players in the 21-man squad. Friday’s game is a double header of Rugby League action at Headingley with the Rhinos Reserves taking on their counterparts from Hull FC in the curtain raiser before the main game between the Super League sides.

Curiously, Derrell Olpherts is again absent as he was last week.

Many wondered if the former Salford Red Devils and Castleford Tigers winger had been dropped after he struggled in the rain against Hull KR.

However, it was confirmed by Rohan Smith today that he picked up an early injury in that game but powered through on a night where Leeds had already lost Richie Myler and Nene MacDonald and would lose David Fusitu’a later on.

Smith said of Olpherts’ injury:

“Derrell has had a calf injury, he picked up a calf injury early in the game against Hull KR so he’s been injured that is why he hasn’t made the last two squads.”

He also confirmed that Morgan Gannon will play for the reserves this week as he recovers from a nasty head knock:

“Morgan Gannon will play some time in reserves.”

Rohan Smith has named his 21 man to face Hull FC this Friday at Headingley. Remember this week's game is NOT televised, the only way to see all the action is to be there – buy now at https://t.co/5Ly9s1IdTg
➡ Find out more here https://t.co/x3GPSx5StH pic.twitter.com/c16nAvQqg8

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) April 12, 2023

His uncle Tony Smith has made four changes to the side that was named ahead of Friday’s fixture against Hull KR as they suffer some big injury blows.

Kane Evans and Mitieli Vulikijapani drop out and will serve their one-match suspensions, while Jake Clifford (ankle) and Jamie Shaul (calf) are unavailable having picked up knocks during the game.

The quartet are replaced by Andre Savelio, Joe Lovodua, Cam Scott, and Harvey Barron.

Tex Hoy and Jake Trueman remain unavailable through injury.

📋 Tony Smith has named his 21-man squad for Friday's Betfred Super League Round 9 fixture against Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium…

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— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) April 12, 2023