Leeds Rhinos are returning from Las Vegas off arguably the most impressive win under Brad Arthur but that’s helped create a few dilemmas for the head coach.
Short of keeping Hull KR to nil, Leeds’ performance was near flawless with every player contributing in some way, shape, or form to the 58-6 hammering at Allegiant Stadium.
Whilst we saw Wigan open up a large lead against Warrington last year, they let it slip with Wire bagging four late tries. When Hull KR did finally cross over, Leeds went and added on more to truly cement the victory.
A home tie against Castleford Tigers awaits on Sunday but Brad Arthur has plenty of decisions to make. All of Jake Connor, Harry Newman and Kallum Watkins came off late on in the Las Vegas win but Arthur confirmed all three to be fine, however, he now faces the dilemma of fitting in all his players.
Leeds Rhinos squad dilemmas after Las Vegas dominance
Sunday morning’s line-up may have shocked a few with off-season signing Ethan O’Neill named as 18th man, whilst fellow signing Jeremiah Matautia was also left out.
Whilst those two made it on the plane to Vegas, one man who didn’t and is sure to add plenty is recent signing Jack Bird, who Arthur has even admitted he is unsure about how best to use.
Rising talent Presley Cassell was also left behind and played in the reserves this past weekend, highlighting the depth that the Rhinos have and that’s before starting prop forward Mikolaj Oledzki returns from injury.
Certain players will be undroppable after the Las Vegas win but both O’Neill and Matautia add to the pack and whilst they may not dislodge starters Kallum Watkins and James McDonnell, they may be worthy of a bench spot.
Arthur carried utility Chris Hankinson on the bench in Las Vegas, perhaps because it was Ash Handley’s first game back but also because of Hankinson’s strong start to the season, but on a slower Headingley track then it could be Hankinson who is sacrificed at the expense of a forward.
Meanwhile, with Bird not part of the travelling squad, it means Arthur hasn’t had a true good look at where he could deploy his newest signing.
For now, the Australian will likely just be focused on a victorious return to England but the positive headache of having such a strong squad isn’t likely to go away any time soon.
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