Leeds Rhinos travel to newly-promoted Leigh Leopards tomorrow as their pre-season preparations intensify ahead of the new Super League campaign. Rohan Smith has named a number of close-season signings in his 21-man squad and it promises to be an intriguing run-out against Adrian Lam’s side.
Sam Lisone, Derrell Olpherts, Justin Sangare, James McDonnell, Luis Roberts and Leon Ruan have been signed during the off-season and all could feature at the Leigh Sports Village. Here, Leeds Live looks at three players who will be looking to make their mark.
Luis Roberts
With frontline centres Harry Newman and new recruit Nene Macdonald not fit for selection, Roberts will be keen to prove his worth against his old club. The rookie outside back swapped Leigh for Leeds a two-year contract during the winter and will surely relish facing his erstwhile employers.
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Leigh-born Roberts made his debut in Super League with Salford in 2020 before joining Swinton Lions in 2021 where he was named Championship Young Player of the Year with ten tries in 18 appearances, despite the Lions’ relegation. That form prompted a move to his home town last season although with limited opportunities, he spent the campaign at Widnes Vikings on loan.
Having played for Wales at junior levels, he made the Welsh squad during the recent Rugby League World Cup. Rohan Smith has tracked Roberts closely and has earmarked him to be pushing for a wing or centre spot this term
David Fusitu’a
The big winger’s debut season in Super League was underwhelming and cruelly beset by injuries, yet his talent in not in doubt. He was limited to just 14 appearances in his first year in England having sustained both knee and ankle injuries following his move from the New Zealand Warriors.
Rohan Smith has predicted a stronger 2023 season for his star winger, who has also won two caps for New Zealand on the international stage. Fusitu’a will once again wear shirt number two in 2023, and returned to Leeds in pre-season following time back home with family.
Refreshed and reinvigorated, he will be keen to make his mark against newly-promoted Leopards this weekend – and maybe grab a few tries.
Justin Sangare
The big France prop was one of Toulouse Olympique’s better performers last season as they fought in vain against the drop. His form attracted admiring glances from Rohan Smith and prompted the Rhinos boss to sign him at the end of last season.
Making the move to Headingley represents a significant challenge for Sangare, who proved his class during France’s World Cup campaign last autumn. He got his first taste of playing for Leeds in their Boxing Day friendly defeat to Wakefield Trinity, showing some promising patches in blue and amber.
The challenge is to now take his game to another level with next month’s Super League opener at Warrington Wolves gradually coming into focus.
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