Leeds head coach Rohan Smith has some enforced changes to make after halfback Aidan Sezer’s injury setback during the Round 10 defeat to Leigh Leopards.
When probed on his potential options during his pre-match press conference, Smith admitted Jack Sinfield would come into his thinking after being named in the 21-man squad, but added that Richie Myler was also being considered. The latter would see Ash Handley move to the fullback role Smith has been keen to use him in during the year. This seems the most likely scenario. Handley was used almost exclusively at fullback during the off-season, which suggests it is an option he wants to explore.
That would mean Liam Tindall will be given a chance on the wing, meaning the Rhinos will line up the same in the backs as they did last time out against Leigh after Sezer came off at half-time.
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If Smith does that, he would omit an outside back on the bench, something he has repeatedly done over the course of the season thus far, with three middles present. James Bentley will start and eventually have a stint at hooker in order to give Jarrod O’Connor a rest. The only way around that would be to have Sinfield on the bench, but that appears unlikely.
Sam Lisone will drop back to the bench after Leeds struggled early on against Leigh, with Morgan Gannon returning to the bench after an extended layoff following his concussion injury in round two. That would see Zane Tetevano take a starting role in the middle, though that could instead go to Tom Holroyd, with Tetevano then on the bench. England forward Holroyd has played from the bench in recent Leeds outings, but did start for England.
Leeds Rhinos predicted team against Salford: Handley, Macdonald, Newman, Martin, Tindall, Austin, Myler, Oledzki, O'Connor, Tetevano, Bentley, McDonnell, Smith. Subs: Holroyd, Gannon, Lisone, Sangare
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