Leeds Rhinos are set to welcome back long-term injury absentees Harry Newman and Alex Mellor this week. The pair have both been included in Rohan Smith's 21-man squad to face Huddersfield Giants, with Newman set to feature for the first time since the opening month of the season.
The centre suffered a hamstring injury in the victory at Wakefield Trinity and has been sidelined since, but he is cleared to play after being included in Smith's squad last week but ultimately being deemed not ready to feature for the win at Warrington Wolves.
Leeds could also welcome back Mellor, who has been sidelined for seven weeks with a sternum injury in another timely boost for the Rhinos as they look to further reignite their push for the play-offs.
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Friday's win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium has renewed optimism of a charge towards the top six for Leeds in the second half of the season, though they will be without forward Morgan Gannon for the West Yorkshire derby. He is completing his return to play protocol following a concussion suffered last Friday.
Rhyse Martin will make his 100th career appearance if selected on Friday, with 63 of those games coming for Leeds since joining the club midway through the 2019 season.
James Bentley, Muizz Mustapha and Tom Holroyd are also unavailable due to suspension.
Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad: David Fusitu'a, Harry Newman, Liam Sutcliffe, Ash Handley, Blake Austin, Mikolaj Oledzki, Kruise Leeming, Matt Prior, Rhyse Martin, Zane Tetevano, Brad Dwyer, Alex Mellor, Richie Myler, Cameron Smith, Bodene Thompson, Sam Walters, Jack Broadbent, Jarrod O'Connor, James Donaldson, Corey Johnson, Zak Hardaker.
