There is a question mark hanging over a key position at Leeds Rhinos.
That is of course the centre spots.
At Leeds both their number three and number four are doubts for the Round One clash against Warrington Wolves in the shape of Harry Newman and Nene MacDonald.
However, when everyone is fit, it seems Newman is the only centre nailed down for a spot whilst the other one is up for grabs with MacDonald potentially set to play on the wing on occasion.
This comes as Rohan Smith said:
“Obviously Harry Newman will be one centre, Nene MacDonald is a very accomplished centre but probably has played his best rugby on the wing. Fusitu’a can play at centre as well. We have created good versatility, that’s what I want.
“Who plays round one might be different to Round Two and Round Three.”
On Saturday, Leeds had four different players play centre after David Fusitu’a was set to start there but pulled out through illness:
“It was positive to see all four do well. Derrell grew up playing centre, Ash Handley is a good footballer all round, he looked like a centre today and he also looked like a fullback but he is a winger, so that’s a good sign.
“Roberts was good, I see him as a winger and centre going forward. He’s a big kid and good kid.
“Levi Edwards did quite well today.
“Luis has played Super League so he has a bit more of a proven path, Levi has only just turned 19. There is an undermentioned difference between playing Super League once or twice than every week.
“All players need some kind of stage progression into an every week player. Sometimes a young kid jumps in and stay but that’s a rarity.
“Those kids will get their chance when veterans are out but they won’t get their opportunity by playing, more veteran players will get first opportunity because they’ve earnt that right.”
