Rohan Smith met with the media on Wednesday to preview Leeds Rhinos' trip to face Super League champions St Helens on Friday night. Leeds remain without a win after two defeats to start the new campaign.
With changes expected to his side, and one key man set to return, Smith was asked about the injury latest within his squad and the challenge the newly-crowned world champions will provide to his side on Friday. Here is everything Smith said.
On James Bentley's fitness
"He's close," Smith said of the forward, who is yet to feature for Leeds in 2023 after picking up a knee injury. "He's training really well but we'll see how he gets through today's session and make a final call on Thursday about whether he plays or not.
Read more: Leeds Rhinos make three changes for St Helens trip as key man returns to squad
"People have seen James play enough, he's got good footy instincts and he's a good competitor and he's everything we want to be as a team. If he's available, that'll be good but if not, he'll be closer for next week. We just want James to be himself. He plays at the same intensity every week, he crosses the line and he's there to win."
On James McDonnell
The young forward could be in line to make his Rhinos debut on Friday. "He's been close for a little while," Smith said of McDonnell. "He's had a few bumps and bruises and a bit of illness that have set him back but he's in the picture, he's in good shape and he's ready to go.
"He's a good competitor who's tough and physical, and out of that Wigan academy system that has brought through so many tough competitions. He's out of that mould."
The challenge St Helens will provide
The Saints return home for the first time since winning the World Club Challenge in Australia a fortnight ago. Smith expects them to pose as difficult a challenge as ever.
He said: "You'd expect them to be chomping at the bit to get back home and celebrate with their fans. They know who they are as a team, they've had some people in their organisation for a long time.
"I remember (James) Roby playing there when I was at London Broncos in the mid-2000s. People like (head coach) Paul Wellens have been around that club since the Daniel Anderson era, and all the way through. There's a glue and a sense of identity about that group."
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