Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity will face off in arguably the biggest clash of Super League round 10, as Trinity look to do the double on Leeds in both league and cup
Daryl Powell’s side dumped the Rhinos out of the Challenge Cup back in March, however that game was played on Wakey’s home turf. This week the action will be at Headingley, which will no doubt prove to be an even bigger challenge.
Ahead of that game, both clubs have some early team news, with a number of players from both sets of squads ruled out or in doubt.
The 21-man squads for the game will be released later today, where more information is set to be given, but ahead of that here is what we know so far.
Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity outs and doubts
The Rhinos have two players fully ruled out at this stage, and those are long-term injury casualties Max Simpson and George Brown.
Simpson suffered an ACL injury in Cameron Smith’s Testimonial match in January, ruling him out for the season, whilst half-back Brown suffered a knock in that Cup defeat to Trinity.
As a result, Brown will miss four to five months, with Brad Arthur saying at the time he is unsure whether the young playmaker would play again this season.
As well as those two, Leeds have Alfie Edgell slowly working his way back from injury, with Arthur revealing the club are taking their time with his recovery.
He was set to be back in early April, but the Leeds boss revealed that he could still be another four to six weeks away yet.
Also ruled out are Harry Newman and Jeremiah Mata’utia, who both featured for Hull FC last weekend.
The pair will return to West Hull this week, and will be in contention for the Black and White’s game against Toulouse Olympique.
Also heading on loan is Tom Nicholson-Watton, who has joined Castleford Tigers, and Ben Littlewood, who will play a third game on loan at York Knights.
Moving on to the visitors, and there are more injury concerns for Powell than there is for Arthur.
Full-back Max Jowitt, half-back Mason Lino and winger Tom Johnstone can all be labelled as doubtful after missing last week, but the Wakefield boss is hoping that all three players can be in contention for Friday’s away trip.
Seth Nikotemo (HIA), Isaiah Vagana (shoulder/ankle) and Jazz Tevaga (leg) are all ruled out through injury. Tevaga is now free to play after completing his two-match suspension, but the injury picked up in that Cup defeat to Wigan will see him out for four to six weeks.
