Rohan Smith reveals star signing is not ready for Boxing Day friendly as four set for debut as Leeds Rhinos take on Wakefield Trinity
September 23, 2022, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom: Rohan Smith Head Coach of Leeds Rhinos arrives at Old Trafford Stadium ahead of the 25th Betfred Super League Grand Final match St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom, 23rd September 2022. Manchester United, ManU Kingdom - ZUMAn307 20220923_zsa_n307_022 Copyright: xJamesxHeaton/NewsxImagesx
Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity meet every Boxing Day and will do again next Monday as the clubs prepare for the 2023 season.
The Rhinos, under Rohan Smith who has enjoyed his first pre-season at the club, will have a mixed team out according to their Head Coach who said to the media today:
“There will be a mixed team out on Monday, some experienced guys, some young guys and some new guys making a debut in a Rhinos jumper.”
He also revealed that it would be too early for new signing Sam Lisone who arrived in the UK this week.
“Too early for Sam, we had hoped to get him a few weeks earlier but thinks like visas and permits took more time than expected.”
It came as Lisone said himself that he probably wouldn’t be involved in the game as he gets ready for the next chapter of his career.
Meanwhile, former Toulouse Olympique and Wigan Warriors men Justin Sangare and James McDonnall are in line to make their debuts as is former Castleford Tigers man Derrell Olpherts and young man Leon Ruan:
“Justin Sangare and James McDonnell will both have a game, Leon Ruan will have a game and Derrell will play as well.”