Kruise Leeming will continue as Leeds Rhinos' first-choice starting hooker for the foreseeable future, Rohan Smith has confirmed. Leeming started last weekend's season opener against Warrington Wolves, with Jarrod O'Connor settling for a place on the interchange bench.
O'Connor's form in the second half of last season saw him emerge as Leeds' starting hooker for their remarkable run to the Super League Grand Final. But Leeming was given the nod against the Wolves last Thursday, where the Rhinos were beaten in the opening match of the new season.
Leeds return home to Headingley this weekend to face Hull FC, where former hooker Brad Dwyer is likely to be among their 17. And Smith said that Leeming will be given the nod once again, with O'Connor likely to be on the bench to cover both the hooking and loose-forward positions.
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"Kruise will be starting again this week," Smith said. "Jarrod will support him as needed. He can also fill in at 13 for us to so we'll call on him where we need to."
Smith also explained that Leeming was selected to start ahead of O'Connor against Warrington last week due to his seniority in the role.
He said: "Kruise has had a fantastic pre-season. He's trained very hard and is in good condition. He's a veteran of the position. Jarrod has done a great job when been called upon but he's still learning the dummy-half position. He's done a good job but it was important to get the season started with a veteran of the position and Kruise has earned his right."
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