Leeds loanees to star on Boxing Day

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brian McClennan will be able to call upon the services of three players who will spend next season on loan away from the Champions for the Cravendale Festive Challenge against Wakefield on Boxing Day.

Full back Ben Jones-Bishop, who will be at Super League rivals, Harlequins RL next season, and forwards Simon Worrall (Toulouse) and Dane Manning (Featherstone) will all be involved on Boxing Day.

The Rhinos are set to field the strongest side for many years with a half back pairing of Rob Burrow and Brent Webb at the heart of the team. The Rhinos players who were involved in the Gillette Four Nations including new signing Greg Eastwood will not be involved however every other player has been in training already for nearly a month in preparation.

Commenting on the return of the loanees McClennan said, “Ben and Dane are contracted to us beyond next season so this is a chance for them to have a run out for the Rhinos and show what they can do. We will be monitoring them carefully next season and it is up to them to force their way into the starting line-up at their new clubs.

“Simon was 18th man for us at Old Trafford and has been in France recently settling into life at Toulouse. He has returned home for Christmas but is training with us and will play a part on Boxing Day.

“It will be good for us to have a look at Brent and Rob at the half backs. At Salford last year we played Carl Ablett there but it is always good to have options within the team. Likewise, with Kevin Sinfield not playing Rob will get the chance to kick goals but there could be an opportunity for our new signing Brett Delaney to also practise his goal kicking.”