Nene Macdonald could be in line to make his Leeds Rhinos debut this weekend. The Papua New Guinea international missed the Rhinos' opening round defeat at Warrington last week with an injury that has prevented him from taking part in any pre-season matches so far in 2023.
But the centre could be set to hand Rohan Smith a timely boost after being named in a 21-man squad for the first time by the Leeds coach. The Rhinos return to Headingley for their first home game of the new campaign to take on Hull FC, who are coached by Smith's uncle and former Leeds boss, Tony Smith.
Macdonald's inclusion in the squad is the only change to the 21-man group Smith named to face Warrington on the opening night. He comes in for youngster Liam Tindall, who makes way for Macdonald's return.
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Leeds remain without a number of key men despite Macdonald's return, though. Fellow centre Harry Newman continues his comeback from a serious hamstring injury, while Mikolaj Oledzki, James Bentley, Luke Hooley and Max Simpson are also still sidelined. Macdonald is likely to replace one of David Fusitu'a or Ash Handley, who both deputised at centre last week, in Friday night's televised fixture.
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