Returning Leeds Rhinos star in fight for position as Arthur makes ‘proud’ statement

First-choice hooker Andy Ackers could have to bide his time over a Leeds Rhinos return.

Ackers, a member of England’s World Cup squad three years ago, is back in Leeds Rhinos’ 21-man squad for Saturday’s crunch Headingley clash with Warrington Wolves.

The former Salford Red Devils star hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury during a Challenge Cup loss at St Helens three months ago.

Rhinos coach Brad Arthur described his availability as “great news”, but insisted the number nine has his work cut out to usurp the man who replaced him.

“He has been out for a while and that has given an opportunity to Jarrod O’Connor, who has been one of our better players,” Arthur said.

“I need to have a reason to make change and I don’t, at the moment. It’s unfortunate for Ackers he got injured, but I am really proud of the whole club.

“At the start of the season we didn’t have the same team for more than 40 minutes straight, we had a lot of injuries and you never heard any complaining from the group, they just got on with it.

“Injuries presented someone else with an opportunity and those guys have taken it. We didn’t focus on who wasn’t in the team, we focused on who was and that has got us to this point now where everyone’s fighting for spots.”

Healthy competition driving Leeds Rhinos on

Maika Sivo, who won’t play this year because of an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury, is the only member of Rhinos’ top-20 squad not now fit and available.

Arthur revealed he has “had to have a couple of tough conversations” with players who will miss out this week, but he insisted: “Everyone in the group understands it is a team effort each week.

“To try and be there at the back end of the year, we need everyone in the squad contributing.

“Some guys’ contribution might not actually be on game day, but it might be helping the team prepare during the week. Everyone has a good attitude about it.

“It is great because I don’t have to make threats or use my words, all the boys are looking around and seeing the depth we have in the squad.

“They can’t afford to have an off day with their attitude or effort. Sometimes guys might not execute their role perfectly and we’re not after that, but in terms of their attitude and mentality towards the game and their preparation, that’s what having a healthy squad can help with.”

Leeds Rhinos have named their 21 man squad to face Warrington this Saturday at AMT Headingley, kick off 5.30pm.
This Saturday’s game is a charity takeover for our partners at @LeedsBS who have donated their shirt sponsorship to @barnardos for the game

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) June 12, 2025