Salford Red Devils host Leeds Rhinos today in what is a real playoff four-pointer with the hosts knowing that they can distance the Rhinos and solidify their position in the top six with a win. Meanwhile, for Brad Arthur’s side, a win keeps them in the hunt and applies pressure on out-of-form St Helens.
The hosts bounced back from two consecutive defeats to register a win over Castleford Tigers last week with Paul Rowley stating that he saw the right energy from his team in the game.
Leeds Rhinos did the same as they snapped their two-game losing streak and picked up the first win of the Brad Arthur era as they defeated Huddersfield Giants 34-6 on the road. It marked Leeds’ first away win in five games but to keep their playoff hopes alive, they’ll need to do win on the road again today.
With St Helens tumbling down the table, a win could draw Leeds Rhinos level on points with them should Saints fail to beat Hull FC. A win for Salford gives them a six-point buffer over the Rhinos with just seven games to play making it a potentially decisive match.
Both sides are faring better than some others in terms of injuries, here’s a look at the team news ahead of the contest.
Salford Red Devils Team News
Credit: Imago Images
Paul Rowley has made just one change to his 21-man squad, a sign that injury woes aren’t too bad, as Cade Cust is replaced by Chris Atkin. Cust, who is widely expected to join Hull FC at the end of the season, had returned to action in Round 18 but missed out last week anyway.
Little change means no real injury update but the positive news is that both Nene Macdonald and Tim Lafai came through okay with the duo being central to how Salford attack. Lafai returned to action last week after missing four games and his coming through unscathed is a massive boost.
There’s also a second appearance for Jayden Nikorima who debuted last week after being sacked by Catalans. Paul Rowley explained that he was impressed with how the half played for 80 minutes and promised more to come.
Jack Ormondroyd remains out, as do Ben Hellewell and Matty Foster.
Leeds Rhinos Team News
Credit: Imago Images
Leeds Rhinos have lost Sam Eseh Jr from his loan spell with Wigan Warriors recalling the young forward, however, Leeds have allowed their own young forward Leon Ruan to depart for Hull FC on loan.
Brad Arthur is boosted by the return of French forwards Mickael Goudemand and Justin Sangare with the duo recovering from shoulder and knee injuries respectively. Their size will be welcomed in what Leeds could make a physical and attritional battle. Another boost is that Sam Lisone escaped a ban for his controversial carry towards Olly Russell.
There are still plenty of injuries in the outside backs with David Fusitu’a, Ned McCormack and Riley Lumb missing but the likes of Harry Newman, Paul Momirovski and Ash Handley will aim to rival the threat of Salford’s back line.
Long-term absentees such as Tom Holroyd and Max Simpson remain but Leeds Rhinos’ full 21-man squad can be seen here.
Huddersfield Giants
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