James Bentley could be set to make his first appearance of the new Super League season after being named in Leeds Rhinos' 21-man squad to face reigning champions St Helens on Friday. Bentley is one of three changes in Rohan Smith's squad for the trip across the Pennines, as Leeds look to secure a first win of the new season at the third attempt.
Chief among them is Bentley, who has recovered from a knee injury which prevented him from playing any part in the Rhinos' pre-season, or their opening two league defeats. Liam Tindall, who scored while on dual-registration at Bradford Bulls last week, is also drafted in - while young half-back Jack Sinfield is named in a 21-man squad for the first time in 2023.
The trio replace Morgan Gannon, who suffered a head injury in the defeat to Hull FC last week, Leon Ruan and Luis Roberts in Smith's 21-man squad.
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James McDonnell could also be in line to make his debut for the Rhinos on Friday, too. The former Wigan player was originally set to join Bradford Bulls on dual registration last weekend but following Gannon’s injury against Hull FC, he was withdrawn.
Leeds travel to the newly-crowned world champions looking for a first win of 2023 against a Saints side buoyed by their victory over Castleford Tigers last weekend.
Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad: Richie Myler, David Fusitu'a, Nene MacDonald, Ash Handley, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Kruise Leeming, Zane Tetevano, James Bentley, Rhyse Martin, Cameron Smith, Jarrod O'Connor, Sam Lisone, Derrell Olpherts, Justin Sangare, Tom Holroyd, James McDonnell, Sam Walters, Liam Tindall, James Donaldson, Jack Sinfield.
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