Leeds Rhinos have been dealt a huge blow before their crucial Magic Weekend clash with Castleford Tigers with captain Kruise Leeming ruled out with a foot injury. The hooker, who has been one of the Rhinos' star performers since Rohan Smith's arrival, will miss the contest after sustaining the injury in the 62-16 win over Hull FC last Saturday.
It's an undoubted blow for the Rhinos, who badly missed his speed around the ruck when he missed the defeat to Huddersfield Giants last month through illness. Leeming has three tries and five assists in five games on Smith's watch. It has resulted in the Rhinos only naming a 20-man squad, an option also taken up by injury-hit Castleford Tigers. The Rhinos say Levi Edwards will be recalled from his loan spell with York City Knights if emergency cover is required.
The setback is seemingly an unanticipated setback, with Smith confirming hours earlier that the only change to Leeds' squad would be the removal of Jack Walker, who has gone out on loan to Hull FC. Smith did hint that some people had to get through training today in order to be cleared.
Corey Johnson has been drafted into the squad, with the hooker now in contention to feature. He is the only addition to the squad from the one named against the Black and Whites. Meanwhile, Castleford only have one recognised halfback in their squad in Danny Richardson. Jake Trueman and Ryan Hampshire are out for the season with an ACL injury and Gareth O'Brien remains on the sideline. Rhinos target Derrell Olpherts is in the Cas squad.
Rhinos: David Fusitu'a, Liam Sutcliffe, Ash Handley, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Mikolaj Oledzki, Matt Prior, James Bentley, Rhyse Martin, Brad Dwyer, Richie Myler, Cameron Smith, Morgan Gannon, Sam Walters, Jarrod O'Connor, James Donaldson, Corey Johnson, Max Simpson, Jack Sinfield, Zak Hardaker.
Tigers: Evalds, Olpherts, Mamo, Faraimo, Richardson, Watts, Lawler, Edwards, Milner, Westerman, Griffin, Fonua, Sutcliffe, Smith, Eden, Blair, Matagi, Martin, Qareqare, Mellor.
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