‘I got it wrong’ – Leeds Rhinos boss explains selection omission ahead of Wakefield Trinity

Boss Brad Arthur has explained his decision not to include former NRL scrum-half Matt Frawley in Leeds Rhinos’ squad for tomorrow’s huge home clash with Wakefield Trinity.

Jake Connor and Brodie Croft are now established as Rhinos’ first-choice half-backs, with youngster Jack Sinfield also ahead of Frawley in the pecking order.

Frawley, who joined Rhinos from Canberra Raiders ahead of last season, has not played since being dropped for the visit of Betfred Super League leaders Hull KR more than a month ago.

After being a non-playing member of Rhinos’ 21 for the past four matches, the former Huddersfield Giants pivot missed out altogether when Arthur named his initial squad to face Wakefield.

Connor and Croft are set to play at six and seven for the third successive game, with Sinfield included in the initial squad as cover.

Speaking at his weekly preview press conference today, Arthur attributed Frawley’s omission to “the balance of the squad”.

He said: “There’s no point having two halves in that 21-man rotation. We’ve got Sinny there who can cover nine as well and he gives me the flexibility of having another forward on there.

“I looked at it last week and probably felt I got it wrong, having two halves in the mix of the 21. This is a better balance.”

Brad Arthur on Leeds Rhinos’ potential debutant

Frawley’s squad place has been taken by teenage loose-forward Presley Cassell, who was Leeds scholarship player of the year in 2023 and received the academy award 12 months later.

He isn’t expected to be in Saturday’s 17, having played for the academy in their 70-0 defeat of Wakefield on Thursday, but Arthur confirmed he is in contention to make his debut at some stage this season.

“He could play tomorrow, he is ready and that’s his next progression,” the coach stated.

“It’s just where and how do I get him in? None of these guys want to miss out and none of them are giving me a reason to leave them out at the moment. That is the luxury I have got.”

Arthur reckons Cassell’s form in the lower grades is keeping more senior players on their toes.

He added: “I don’t have to make any threats, because they are all looking around and they know they have got to be on top of their game and they’ve got to do their job each week, because there’s guys who are missing out who can step up and do it.

“That’s where it’s at with Presley; at some stage I’d like to get him out there and give him a taste of it, but there’s plenty of guys doing a good job for me at the minute.”