Leeds Rhinos hoping to add player on loan ahead of Toulouse clash
Leeds Rhinos are hoping to add a player on loan after naming just a 20-man squad for their clash with Toulouse on Friday.
The Rhinos have lost James Bentley and Zane Tetevano due to suspensions.
Bentley, 24, received a two-match ban following their defeat to Castleford on Easter Monday. He was charged with a Grade B high tackle.
Tetevano, 31, will miss the same amount of games following a charge for a late hit on passer against Huddersfield.
Matt Prior, Cameron Smith and Liam Tindall, who all missed Monday’s game, return to the squad. Muizz Mustapha, Jack Broadbent and Sam Walters are also included.
Leeds Rhinos injuries
The Headingley Stadium side are without seven players due to injuries heading into the bottom-of-the-table clash.
Winger David Fusitu’a continues to miss out due to a knee injury. He has been limited to just three Super League appearances so far with his new club. His last game came against Hull earlier in March. The Tonga international has also played against Wakefield and Warrington.
Blake Austin misses out due to failing his head injury assessment during the first half of Monday’s game with Castleford. Aidan Sezer also continues to recover from a groin injury.
Richie Myler, Tom Holroyd, Jack Walker and Corey Johnson are also sidelined through injury.
Leeds to look to the transfer market
The club will look to the transfer market to bring a player on loan ahead of Friday, taking their squad to 21. Ahead of the season, Leeds renewed their dual-registration partnership with Championship side Featherstone.
This could see the Rovers offer a player to help their partnered club.
Another played linked with the move is recently dropped Wigan utility Zak Hardaker. The former Leeds man was dropped for Wigan’s fixtures against St Helens and Wakefield during the Easter period.
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington was asked about the 30-year-old during his recent press conference. He responded: “We’re in a situation where we’re looking any player that can add value.
“We don’t need me to talk about the virtues of Zak Hardaker; he’s an outstanding player.
“We have been scouring the market just to see what players may be available and indeed if the club will release them and if we have enough space on our own cap.
“There’s quite a lot of decisions to be made there. Such as our plight, we have 10 players missing, so we are looking to make things happen.
“We’re grateful for any quality player who may be available.”
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