The second game of Sunday’s Magic Weekend event sees Leeds Rhinos take on Bradford Bulls.
It’s a game that needs no introduction on the Magic stage, with the pair competing at the event four times previously. Leeds have emerged as victors on every occasion, with their last win coming in 2012, as five tries from Danny McGuire helped that year’s Grand Final winners to a 37-22 victory.
Perhaps their most famous Magic meeting occurred in 2007, when Jordan Tansey scored one of the competition’s most controversial tries, which led Sir Kevin Sinfield to do cartwheels under the sticks.
This year wll be the two sides’ second meeting of the season, and after Leeds took the spoils at Odsal over Easter, Bradford will be looking for a response.
However, they do so with a depleted side, and will need to rely on some of their fringe players to step up and get the job done.
Leeds also have some concerns of their own, so before the 21-man squad are released on Friday, here is the lowdown on the early team news that the pair have to contend with.
Leeds Rhinos Team News
The big concern for Leeds was Jake Connor’s fitness after he left the field with 10 minutes to go in the win over Hull KR. The reigning Man of Steel suffered a glute issue, but boss Brad Arthur has confirmed his star half-back will be fit to face the Bulls.
Leeds are one of the healthiest sides in the competition, and only have three players ruled out through injury at this stage. Max Simpson and George Brown are both out with long-term issues, whilst Ethan O’Neill has a slight hamstring problem.
Alfie Edgell and Ben Littlewood return to contention this week, whilst Jack Bird is another option after playing reserve grade on Friday.
Presley Cassell is a doubt after a knock in the same reserves game, whilst Jeremiah Mata’utia remains out on loan at Hull FC.
Ruled out:Â Max Simpson (ACL), Ethan O’Neill (hamstring), George Brown (knee), Jeremiah Mata’utia (loan)
Doubt:Â Presley Cassell (knee)
Bradford Bulls Team News
Rivals Bradford have a few more concerns than their table-topping counterparts.
Jayden Okunbor, Esan Marsters, Ed Chamberlain, Sam Hallas and Rowan Milnes are all long-term casualties, with four of those five confirmed to be out for the season.
In addition, Zac Fulton, Dan Russell and Phoenix Steinwede, all back rowers, are all expected to miss the game due to injuries suffered more recently. Will Gardiner will, of course, miss this week’s game after a severe concussion in the defeat to St Helens.
The only one who could feature is Russell, depending on how he pulls up in the week.
Other injuries include Loghan Lewis, Joe Keyes and Brandon Douglas, whilst Mitch Souter is out on loan.
Ruled out:Â Jayden Okunbor (knee), Esan Marsters (Achilles), Ed Chamberlain (ankle), Sam Hallas (shoulder), Rowan Milnes (abductor), Zac Fulton (neck), Phoenix Steinwede (groin), Will Gardiner (concussion), Loghan Lewis (knee), Joe Keyes (back), Brandon Douglas (knee), Mitch Souter (loan)
Doubt:Â Dan Russell (ribs)
