Leeds Rhinos have been handed some positive injury news ahead of their clash with York Knights on Friday night, in what will be the club’s first home Super League game of 2026.
The Rhinos go into the game on the back of a defeat, as Brad Arthur’s side couldn’t topple Leigh Leopards – a feat they achieved on every occasion in 2025.
A depleted blue and amber side couldn’t get the better of Adrian Lam’s men, and succumbed to a 26-12 defeat.
They will be looking to bounce back and get their season underway, but the challenge ahead of them won’t be as simple as some may think.
York shocked everyone with their exceptional victory over Hull KR last week, and will be out to secure another significant victory over the Rhinos on Friday.
Here is the run-down on both clubs’ injury status, with Leeds’ issues becoming a lot clearer following Wednesday’s press conference.
Leeds Rhinos team news
Brad Arthur spoke to the press on Wednesday afternoon, and there were plenty of good news to come out of that, as five players are set to return from their respective injuries.
Maika Sivo and Jeremiah Mata’utia will both make their Rhinos and Super League debut on Friday night, whilst there are also returns for Jake Connor, Cameron Smith and Keenan Palasia.
Whilst that is a huge boost for the club, particularly with their flight to Las Vegas just days away, there are still five players that won’t play against the Knights.
Max Simpson (ACL) is out for the whole of 2026, whilst Alfie Edgell (quad) is looking at a return date of mid-April.
Mikolaj Oledzki suffered a rib injury in the Cup win over Widnes, and he is looking at a “best-case” return of around four weeks, whilst Ash Handley is still recovering from a groin issue from January.
The England international didn’t make the cut this week, but could return in the Sin City, should he get through enough training and fitness tests in the build-up.
Jack Bird has joined the Rhinos on a two-year deal from Wests Tigers. Though he is in the country, he has been ruled out of today’s game, and the game in Las Vegas. He could make his Leeds debut in round four against Castleford Tigers.
York Knights team news
The Super League newcomers are in a strong position in terms of their squad, and there are very few injury concerns currently at the club.
Kieran Hudson will miss out in this week’s game, as he did last week as he recovers from a knee injury. The two other niggles in the squad are for Jesse Dee, who left the field in the victory over York but didn’t return, and Denive Balmforth, who suffered some heavy bruising.
However, both players have been named in the 21-man squad, and should feature barring any further set-backs.
