Leeds v Hull FC: Both teams missing key players for Headingley clash
Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Leeds and Hull FC will both be without a number of first team players for Thursday night’s round five Super League clash at Headingley.
Rhinos coach Richard Agar has been forced to make three changes to the side that beat Wakefield last week. Captain Kruise Leeming will serve his one-match suspension as will forward Cameron Smith.
Centre Harry Newman will miss the game due to a hamstring injury. No timescale has bee set as yet on his return.
Agar’s 21-man squad sees youngsters Jarrod O’Connor and Liam Tindall return to the squad after playing for Bradford on dual-registration last week. Also included are Corey Johnson and Jack Broadbent, who both played for the reserves at St Helens last Saturday.
The Rhinos will welcome back back-row duo James Donaldson and Alex Mellor. Nigeria-born forward Muizz Mustapha is included for the first time after recovering from an injury suffered whilst on loan at Bradford.
More on Super League
Wigan boss Matt Peet named February Coach of the Month
Super League stats: Josh Charnley leading try scorer
In numbers: Super League round four attendances
Meanwhile, Hull FC coach Brett Hodgson has been forced to make three changes to his squad. The Black and Whites have 10 first team players unavailable this week.
Josh Reynolds and Jordan Lane both suffered injuries in Sunday’s defeat at Castleford. Centre Connor Wynne is doubtful having suffered an arm injury.
Winger Darnell McIntosh missed last week’s game due to a calf issue, so he will face a couple of weeks on the sidelines.
Carlos Tuimavave, Manu Ma’u, Cameron Scott, Scott Taylor and Jacob Hookem all remain out. Captain Luke Gale continues to serve his five-match suspension.
There is some positive injury news for Hull though. Joe Cator comes in for the first since since suffering an Achilles injury last August.
Leeds: Walker, Fusitu’a, Sutcliffe, Handley, Austin, Sezer, Oledzki, Prior, Martin, Tetevano, Dwyer, Mellor, Thompson, Briscoe, Gannon, Broadbent, O’Connor, Donaldson, Johnson, Mustapha, Tindall.
Hull: Connor, Swift, Griffin, Sao, Houghton, Satae, Savelio, Lovodua, Cator, Evans, Fash, McNamara, Brown, Johnstone, Bowden, Wynne, Vulikijapani, Burrell, Shaul, Severs, Barron.
The Super League round five clash takes place at Headingley on Thursday (8pm), live on Sky Sports.
PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022
