Rohan Smith explains surprise absentees for Hull KR clash

Leeds Rhinos have been struck by a double blow before their clash against Hull KR with Nene MacDonald and Richie Myler ruled out.

This means new signing Luke Hooley starts at fullback for his debut at fullback.

Derrell Olpherts comes into the starting 13 after scoring from the bench last week against Catalans Dragons.

David Fusitu’a starts on the other wing with Harry Newman and Rhyse Martin remaining in the centres.

Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin again start in the halves with Zane Tetevano moving into the front row with Sam Walters dropping out of the 17 altogether.

Jarrod O’Connor again starts at nine with James Bentley and James McDonnell in the backrow with Cameron Smith.

As for opponents Hull KR, Jordan Abdull is back in the big news for the Robins but they have a problem at centre with Sam Wood and James Batchelor starting there with Tom Opacic and Shaun Kenny-Dowall starting.

Ryan Hall plays despite injury.

Speaking on Leeds Rhinos’ Twitter page, Leeds boss Rohan Smith explained Leeds’ two surprise absentees:

“Nene has had a calf niggle so we haven’t pushed it this early in the easy.

“Richie has spent a bunch of time in hospital for the birth of his new little baby so we have given him some time off.”