Harry Newman will not feature for Leeds Rhinos in the season opener against Warrington Wolves.
The centre has lost his battle to be fit for the round one clash after picking up a hamstring injury in the pre-season win over Hull FC.
Head coach Richard Agar had given him every chance to be fit, admitting a decision was still to be made 24 hours out from the match.
But Newman has not been named in the matchday squad, with Tom Briscoe playing at centre.
Agar has opted to move Richie Myler into the halves for the suspended Blake Austin, allowing Liam Sutcliffe to remain at centre. Myler's move allows Jack Walker to impress after recovering from two serious foot injuries.
The club's three other major off-season signings, Aidan Sezer, James Bentley and David Fusitu'a, all start.
Morgan Gannon has been given the nod on the bench, meaning Alex Mellor misses out. Bodene Thompson and Jarrod O'Connor are the two others cut from the initial 21-man squad.
Rhinos: Jack Walker, Ash Handley, Liam Sutcliffe, Tom Briscoe, David Fusitu'a, Richie Myler, Aidan Sezer, Matt Prior, Kruise Leeming (C), Zane Tetevano, James Bentley, Rhyse Martin, Cameron Smith. Subs: Mikolaj Oledzki, Morgan Gannon, Brad Dwyer, James Donaldson.
