Rohan Smith has plenty of selections headaches ahead of Leeds Rhinos’ trip to Toulouse, but not in a good way. His star hooker is injured, both his senior halfbacks ruled out and a string of front line props are unavailable.
Throw in the fact that Zak Hardaker is a major doubt with a dead leg, it’s not an easy team to piece together.
Starting at fullback, Richie Myler seems a safe choice on the basis Hardaker is unavailable. But if the former Man Of Steel is absent, it would leave them light in the rest of the back line. The obvious move would be for Liam Sutcliffe to remain in the centres given his form and give young Max Simpson a chance. But that would mean running with a halfback combination of Corey Johnson and Jack Sinfield, which would bring further youth to a squad already lacking key men.
As a result, it wouldn’t be a shock if a decision is made to move Sutcliffe to the halves, especially when you consider Leeds have plenty of options in the back-row department. Rhyse Martin has played plenty at centre this year and Smith is a fan of him there.
That would also allow for Brad Dwyer and Johnson to rotate at nine, which will be required given the scorching heat expected.
The pack is something of a formality, despite the absentees. Who starts and who rolls off is always tricky to predict but it pretty much speaks for itself.
Predicted Rhinos team: Myler, Fusitu’a, Martin, Simpson, Handley; Sutcliffe, Sinfield; Oledzki, Dwyer, Thompson, Gannon, Bentley, Smith. Subs: Johnson, Aydin, Donaldson, O'Connor
Read next
Rhyse Martin's tribute to Leeds Rhinos fans after penning new deal
The logic behind Leeds Rhinos' move for Yusuf Aydin with long-term approach key
Rohan Smith provides cryptic update on Leeds Rhinos' Oliver Gildart link
Ian Watson ponders Huddersfield Giants recruitment move amid injury crisis
Salford Red Devils set to bring in Featherston Rovers man on short-term loan
