Wakefield Trinity host Leeds Rhinos in a West Yorkshire derby that could prove pivotal in the race for the playoffs. Here is how we think both sides will line up, with changes made from each team’s last outing.
Both sides come into the game with heavy wins over the league’s bottom two. Wakefield overcame Huddersfield last Thursday, as they ran out 46-10 winners. An Alfie Edgell hat-trick helped Leeds pickup the two points against a resilient Salford and emerge 42-6 winners.
The pair have met each other twice this season already, with both sides gaining one win each. Wakefield will be looking to make home advantage count as thy welcome their West Yorkshire rivals to the DIY Kitchens stadium for the first time since June 2023, where Trinity picked up their first win of that season, 15 rounds in.
Wakefield Trinity Team News:
Daryl Powell was forced to make three changes to his initial squad, with Caleb Hamlin-Uele and Tommy Doyle injured and Isaiah Vagana suspended.
He brought in Oliver Pratt, Oliver Russell, who returns from a two week loan at Salford, and youngster Noah High.
There is still no news on Tom Johnstone’s return, so Jayden Myers, who scored two tries in last week’s win, is expected to remain on the wing.
Leeds Rhinos Team News:
Despite being named in the 21-man squad, Rhinos co-captain Cameron Smith is struggling with a back issue, and it will be a late decision to see whether he can feature.
Presley Cassell made his Super League debut last week, and could have another chance to show his skills should Smith be unavailable. Leeds also have youngster Ben Littlewood ready for action after overcoming his injury.
Jack Sinfield returned to the initial side in place of Ethan Clark-Wood, however he is not likely to feature.
How will the sides line up?
Wakefield Trinity Predicted Lineup:
1. Max Jowitt, 2. Lachlan Walmsley, 19. Oliver Pratt, 4. Corey Hall, 30. Jayden Myers, 6. Jake Trueman, 7. Oliver Russell, 8. Mike McMeeken, 9. Liam Hood, 31. Caius Faatili, 17. Matty Storton, 12. Josh Griffin, 13. Jay Pitts.
Bench: 3. Cameron Scott, 11. Seth Nikotemo, 16. Renouf Atoni, 28. Harvey Smith
Leeds Rhinos Predicted Lineup:
1. Lachie Miller, 21. Alfie Edgell, 3. Harry Newman, 4. Ash Handley, 5. Ryan Hall, 6. Brodie Croft, 18. Jake Connor, 10. Keenan Palasia, 14. Jarrod O’Connor, 17. Cooper Jenkins, 11. James Bentley, 12. James McDonnell, 28. Kallum Watkins.
Bench: 9. Andy Ackers, 13. Cameron Smith, 15. Sam Lisone, 29. Presley Cassell
