It may be classed as a pre-season match, but tensions will be high come 2:30pm when Leeds Rhinos host rivals Bradford Bulls. It's always a special occasion when the two sides meet, and today will be no different. However, putting all that aside, for some of Rohan Smith's team, today is a great chance to give their coach food for thought with the new Super League season just around the corner. Here, we take a look at three Rhinos who need to catch the eye during today's visit from the Bulls.
Sam Lisone
It was a pretty low-key debut for the big prop forward, who didn't look quite up to speed against Leigh. Today gives him another chance to get some big minutes under his belt before the start of Super League. Although he's likely to feature next week against Hull KR, Lisone will be keen to keep getting sharper after blowing off the cobwebs last week. Of course, there's no need to judge him yet and settling into a new country and style of rugby takes time, but Leeds need him firing with Mikolaj Oledzki to miss the start of the season so they'll be keen to see him make some forward strides here.
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Liam Tindall
It's no secret Rohan Smith is weighing up his options in the backs, and with David Fusitu'a's absence being prolonged again, it could open up a spot for young Tindall to cement a starting spot. If he plays well today and gets another shot at Craven Park next Sunday, he might just give himself a chance of starting against Warrington come round one. The Bulls will try their hand today, and Tindall will have to be solid in defence and carry well to help his side assert their dominance. Nothing seems off the table at the minute with Smith trying several players at centre, so some good showings may see him work his way in come round one.
James McDonnell
Similar to Lisone, McDonnell had a pretty low-key game and the former Wigan Warriors forward will be keen to force himself into Rohan Smith's thinking with plenty of competition in the back-row this year. At 23, he's not just at Headingley to make up the numbers, and today gives him another shot at impressing the Rhinos hierarchy if he wants to be named in the starting 17 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium next month.
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