Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos will meet in the final game of the day at Magic Weekend in what looks to be Brad Arthur’s toughest test yet.
Arthur has watched Leeds play Warrington already this season with the Australian sitting in the coaching box alongside Chev Walker for Wire’s 30-18 win over the Rhinos in Round 17.
Since then, Leeds have won two and lost two under Arthur, who is reportedly close to signing a two-year deal, including a win over champions Wigan, however, selection issues look set to make this his toughest test so far.
As for Warrington Wolves, it will be the first Magic Weekend that Sam Burgess experiences and Wire knows that nothing but a win will do if they’re to keep the pressure on Wigan and Hull KR.
Warrington put in a poor performance against London Broncos last week and Burgess will be looking for a big response, particularly with a number of first-teamers recalled. Here’s a look at the team news ahead of the game.
Warrington Wolves Team News
Credit: Imago Images
Sam Burgess has recalled Ben Currie, Josh Thewlis and Luke Yates to the 21-man squad whilst both George Williams and Matty Nicholson are likely to start having been rested last week against London.
The inclusion of Currie, Yates and Thewlis means that Max Wood, Tom Whitehead and Zac Bardsley-Rowe drop out, offering Burgess an incredibly strong 21-man squad that he’ll be hard-pressed to drop four players from.
Leon Hayes and Connor Wrench remain out with season-long injuries whilst Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Stefan Ratchford are still sidelined.
📋 SQUAD NEWS with @CheshireMould
Our 21-man squad for Elland Road this Saturday 💪 pic.twitter.com/4L2vo0vZRf
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) August 15, 2024
Leeds Rhinos Team News
Credit: Matthew Merrick
The biggest blow for Leeds Rhinos this week has come in their halves with Brodie Croft unavailable after returning home to Australia on compassionate grounds to attend the funeral of his grandfather.
It means Brad Arthur will have to name a new partner alongside last week’s captain Matt Frawley, whilst club captain Cam Smith returns from a one-match suspension.
Ash Handley could return from his hand injury but Mikolaj Oledzki remains out with his broken ribs. Both Riley Lumb and Morgan Gannon remain long-term absentees.
Brad Arthur has named his 21 man squad for Saturday’s Magic Weekend clash with Warrington at Elland Road. Brodie Croft will not be available on compassionate grounds whilst skipper Cameron Smith returns from suspension
🤝 In partnership with @NuffieldHealth— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) August 15, 2024
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