Rohan Smith makes big selection decision on Leeds Rhinos starlet ahead of Grand Final

Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith has made a bold decision on one of his young stars ahead of the Grand Final clash with St Helens next weekend.

The West Yorkshire club booked their place in the showpiece event at Old Trafford next weekend with a brilliant 20-8 win over Wigan Warriors last Friday.

One man who sat out that game was youngster Morgan Gannon who has been nominated for the Super League Young Player of the Year.

The teenager has had an incredible season, achieving brilliant A-Level results as well as forcing himself into first-team rugby with Leeds in 2022.

However, Gannon missed the game following a concussion , and now Smith has revealed that he will not be risking the young man at Old Trafford in a bid to preserve his long-term career.

“Morgan Gannon won’t be selected this week he has not undergone all of the protocols,” Smith revealed.

“He is such a young player coming off such a significant situation. We are playing the long game with that kid.

“He has got to be symptom free for a while but we have made a decision as a club that we won’t accelerate a return to play following a second head knock.”

It’s a noble choice from Smith, but with Rhyse Martin returning from his ban, the Rhinos will still be strong heading into next week.