Rohan Smith speaks on James Bentley decision

Rohan Smith has named his squad for Friday’s fixture against St Helens and the Rhinos’ squad sees three changes from round two.

The fixture is a repeat of the Grand Final from 2022 but Leeds will be hoping for  a different result as they aim to kick start their season following two losses.

Morgan Gannon has missed out to the squad given his 12-day concussion return to play protocol, whilst youngsters Leon Ruan and Luis Roberts also miss out.

In their place come James Bentley, Liam Tindall and Jack Sinfield who all step into the squad.

Speaking today to the press, Rohan Smith revealed that a decision would be made on the second-row tomorrow.

He said:

“He’s close, he’s training really well but we’ll see how he gets though today’s session and then make a final call to see if he plays a role on Friday.

“People have seen James play enough, he’s got great energy, good footy instincts and he’s a tough competitor. He’s everything that we want to be distributing as a team, if he’s available that’s good and if not he’ll be closer for next week. We just want James to be himself and be the natural competitor that he is.”

Bentley is returning from a knee injury whilst Tindall returns following a brief one week spell at Bradford on his dual registration deal.

Tindall crossed over last week for the Bulls and re-joins alongside the young Sinfield.

James McDonnell could make his debut for the Rhinos following his inclusion in the squad.

The squad in full is:

1 Richie Myler sponsored by Y F Furniture

2 David Fusitu’a sponsored by Berrys

4 Nene MacDonald sponsored by Fenton Finance

5 Ash Handley sponsored by Roxy Ball Room

6 Blake Austin sponsored by AXIS

7 Aiden Sezer sponsored by Vale Services

9 Kruise Leeming sponsored by Pickups Self Storage

10 Zane Tetevano sponsored by NIC FM Services Group

11 James Bentley sponsored by Trivent Ltd

12 Rhyse Martin sponsored by Mailway Packaging Solutions

13 Cameron Smith sponsored by Warners Fish Merchants

14 Jarrod O’Connor sponsored by Boardrm

15 Sam Lisone sponsored by K-Bins

16 Derrell Olpherts sponsored by Horbury Dental Laboratories

17 Justin Sangare sponsored by Mtech

18 Tom Holroyd sponsored by West Riding Paper Services

19 James McDonnell sponsored by Wetherby Whaler

22 Sam Walters sponsored by Warners Fish Merchants

23 Liam Tindall sponsored by Bartercard

25 James Donaldson sponsored by ACS

29 Jack Sinfield