Leeds Rhinos look to return to winning ways against Catalans Dragons on Saturday, and Rohan Smith has some big decisions to make. After a disappointing loss to the previously winless Castleford Tigers last time out, the Rhinos are looking for a response against the unbeaten French outfit.
Smith has named his 21-man squad for the contest and there are three changes from last week. Kruise Leeming, James Bentley and Luis Roberts have moved out with Luke Hooley, Jack Sinfield and Liam Tindall coming in.
Smith has some difficult decisions to make. Some would be inclined to wield the axe after some unacceptable individual displays last time out. However, that's not Smith's style and his changes are more likely to be subtle.
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Ultimately, one enforced change is required, with James Bentley suspended. His spot on the bench is all but certain to be taken by Corey Johnson given Bentley has spelled at hooker to give Jarrod O'Connor a short rest. A specialist hooker, this is an obvious change and should be the start of a run of games for the 22-year-old.
The next decision to be made relates to Harry Newman. It's already been clear that on his road to full fitness, the centre will once again not play the full match, but is likely to increase his minutes again. He played the first half against Castleford so it's likely he will play around an hour this time out. However, it would be foolish to have an outside back taking a bench spot to cover such a short spell, so alternative options need to be considered. The sensible move would appear to shift Rhyse Martin to centre at some point in the game. Smith trusts the goal-kicker there and he also provides added size against a big Catalans pack.
To counteract that, the bench spot taken by Luis Roberts last week would go to James Donaldson, who can then offer that additional pack option required for Martin to move wider. You've also got O'Connor who could move to 13 at some point, a high possibility given Johnson could do a longer stint at hooker, freeing the starting nine up.
The decision then for Smith is to decide whether to make some like-for-like replacements. Given Liam Tindall features in the Bradford squad to face Keighley, he doesn't appear likely to play and Smith's comments about a potential move to the Championship for Luke Hooley suggests he wants him to have more match fitness before he comes into the reckoning.
But one change we can see happening is in the pack, with Sam Walters being recalled to replace Sam Lisone. Simply put, Lisone wasn't up the required standard against Castleford. Walters was unlucky to lose his place as it was, given his performances against St Helens and Wakefield Trinity it would be very harsh for him to miss out again.
Leeds Rhinos' predicted team to face Catalans Dragons: Richie Myler, David Fusitu'a, Harry Newman, Nene Macdonald, Derrell Olpherts, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Tom Holroyd, Jarrod O'Connor, Zane Tetevano, James McDonnell, Rhyse Martin, Cameron Smith. Subs: Corey Johnson, Justin Sangare, Sam Walters, James Donaldson.
Missing out: Sam Lisone, Luke Hooley, Liam Tindall, Jack Sinfield
The latest House of League is out now. Matthew Shaw is joined by a variety of guests to discuss Kruise Leeming's shock Leeds Rhinos exit, Wakefield Trinity's pitch saga and more. You can listen to the full show below or alternatively subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music.
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