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Matthew Shaw

Rohan Smith make surprise halfback call with Leeds Rhinos' Blake Austin replacement named

Leeds Rhinos have named their side to take on Salford Red Devils, with Corey Johnson named in the halves. The youngster, a specialist hooker, will slot into the role in place of Blake Austin, who will serve a one-match suspension.

Rohan Smith had plenty of options to go with but has selected against a reshuffle of his spine, instead going with Johnson as a like-for-like swap. That means Richie Myler stays at fullback, with Ash Handley remaining on the wing. It also allows Nene Macdonald to continue at centre, leaving plenty of players in their primary position.

Luis Roberts makes up the bench alongside Tom Holroyd, Sam Lisone and James Donaldson, meaning Mikolaj Oledzki and Sam Walters start once again. Jarrod O'Connor looks likely to take on an 80-minute stint given Johnson's place in the halves.

As for Salford, they are able to recall fit-again trio Ryan Brierley, Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers, but are without any of their recognised back-rowers. Danny Addy and Ben Hellewell instead play in that spot with the likes of Kallum Watkins and Sam Stone unavailable among others.

Read more: Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos live score updates

The Rhinos will move within two points of Salford if they can secure a victory, but will be six points adrift of the play-offs with nine games remaining if they were to fall short.

Rhinos: Richie Myler, David Fusitu'a, Nene Macdonald, Rhyse Martin, Ash Handley, Corey Johnson, Aidan Sezer, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O'Connor, Sam Walters, James Bentley, James McDonnell, Cameron Smith. Subs: James Donaldson, Sam Lisone, Tom Holroyd, Luis Roberts.

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