Rohan Smith willing to trial centre and wing combinations with injury update on star signing

Leeds Rhinos are one of the few Super League side’s to have already played in pre-season, however they’re yet to play in 2023 and head coach Rohan Smith is positive about their upcoming games.

Leeds lost in the traditional Boxing Day clash with Wakefield Trinity after Smith named a very experimental side, however heading into their game tomorrow with a far stronger squad the Australian is optimistic.

“I think we’re in a pretty good place, a lot of guys have done a lot of training. We’re looking forward to building competition but more importantly getting out there and having a good battle against quality opposition,” Smith told the Rhinos’ Youtube channel.

On new signings, Smith added: “Looking forward to seeing all of the guys, Sam (Lisone) is in good shape and ready to have a go but all the new guys have settled in well as people and into the group nicely so we’re looking forward to them bringing their own personal skill set to what we’re doing. Those that have been here for a long time I’m looking forward to seeing them as well.”

Smith has brought in plenty of signings, Lisone being one of them, but another key player brought in was Nene Macdonald and Smith had another update on the former Leigh star.

“Ash (Handley), Fuss (David Fusitu’a) and Derrell (Olpherts) will all get some time at centre and Tindall and Roberts will also get some opportunities there as well.

“We’re going to move some people around on both the wing and centre with Newman and Macdonald still working their way back to full fitness, we just want options covered and see who can do what and where as we build our squad for the year.”

Rhinos have named a strong squad with all their presumed starters throughout the spine as they head to Leigh to contest the Bev Risman Trophy.

Rohan Smith has named his 21 man squad for this Saturday's trip to Leigh Leopards with several of the Rhinos new signings set to be involved
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