David Fusitu'a has withdrawn from Leeds Rhinos' squad to take on Leigh Leopards in pre-season. The robust winger, who endured a stop-start maiden campaign in 2022, was due to start in the Rhinos game against Adrian Lam's side.
However, having been named in the initial team named by Rohan Smith, the Rhinos hastily removed the team from social media and once an amended version emerged online, Fusitu'a was not included. He was due to start at centre and was replaced by Levi Edwards.
Smith had namechecked Fusitu'a in a pre-match interview with the club, confirming he was due to play and would be tried out at centre with both Nene Macdonald and Harry Newman unlikely to be fit for round one. It is, at this stage, unclear what has forced him to drop out of the squad.
Read more: Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos live updates
But it will be of concern to the Rhinos, especially given his injury record before and during his spell at Headingley. He was restricted to just 14 appearances last season and did not feature in the Boxing Day game with Wakefield Trinity. Smith will be quizzed on his absence following the game.
Luis Roberts, an off-season signing from Leigh, will start at centre in his first appearance for the club, with new prop Sam Lisone will play from the bench after his move from Gold Coast Titans.
Leeds Rhinos team to face Leigh Leopards: Handley, Tindall, Roberts, Edwards, Olpherts, Austin, Sezer, Holroyd, Leeming, Walter, Ruan, Tetevano, Donaldson. Bench: Sangare, Lisone, O'Connor, Myler, Gannon, Sinfield, McDonnell, Edgell.
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