Both Will Hopoate and Ash Handley have overcome their fitness scares to feature in the Grand Final. The duo, of St Helens and Leeds Rhinos respectively, were both doubts due to hamstring and knee injuries but have successfully completed overcome their concerns to feature at Old Trafford.
Both will play on the wing. Hopoate, who has regularly played at fullback, has instead been moved at wide with youngster Jon Bennison playing at the back. The pair are, however, expected to intertwine. The Rhinos' only other change sees Sam Walters come into the side, with Brad Dwyer again not selected. Instead, Rohan Smith has decided to play Cameron Smith in the halves in the absence of Aidan Sezer. That means Leeming will continue as the interchange hooker for Jarrod O'Connor, with Dwyer not selected at all.
As for St Helens, Hopoate's return means Sione Mata'utia, who played centre last week, will operate from the bench. James Bell is the one who makes way for Hopoate to return. Curtis Sironen continues in his role of starting back-rower.
