Nene Macdonald among trio boosting Leeds for Huddersfield clash
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Papua New Guinea international Nene Macdonald is one of three players to return to the Leeds squad to face Huddersfield in Rivals Round.
Nene Macdonald and Ash Handley return from the treatment room for Leeds’ West Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield on Sunday evening.
Ireland international Richie Myler is also back in Rohan Smith’s side after missing last week’s defeat to Hull KR due to the birth of his baby. Young hooker Corey Johnson also comes back in to the Rhinos side this week.
Leeds coach Rohan Smith said: “It was a shame they were all missing on the same day last week but it’s good to have them back.
“They’ve had a good week of prep so I’m looking forward to them bringing the ball back out from the back field for us.”
The quartet replace Luke Hooley, David Fusitu’a, Derrell Olpherts and Luis Roberts.
England international Mikolaj Oledzki makes his first start of the season after returning from injury from the bench last week.
Smith added: “He had a really good, solid start last week and he’ll build off that. He is a leader in our team so it was only a matter of time before we started him.
“He looks in really good condition so I thought it was the best way to get going that way.”
As for Huddersfield, Tonga international Tui Lolohea comes in to replace Olly Russell in the halves. Hooker Adam O’Brien makes his first appearance of the season after being named on the bench.
There was worry over full-back Will Pryce after he was forced from the field in last week’s win at Salford, but he has been cleared fit to play at Headingley.
The 17-man squads
Leeds: Myler; Macdonald, Newman, Martin, Handley; Austin, Sezer; Oledzki, O’Connor, Holroyd, Bentley, McDonnell, Smith. Subs: Tetevano, Sangare, Lisone, Johnson. 18th man: Tindall.
Huddersfield: Pryce; McGillvary, Marsters, Naiqama, Halsall; Connor, Lolohea; Hill, Peats, English, McQueen, Livett, Yates. Subs: O’Brien, Ikahihifo, Rushton, Ashworth. 18th man: Cudjoe.
The Rhinos take on the Giants in the final match of Rivals Round, live on Sky Sports, 6pm kick-off.
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