Wigan v Leeds: Blake Austin to make Rhinos debut as Agar rings changes
Zak Hardaker (left) and Blake Austin (right) are set to feature on Friday night (Photos: SWpix)
New Leeds signing Blake Austin will make his Rhinos debut in Friday’s trip to Wigan after serving his one-match suspension.
The 31-year-old half-back missed last week’s 22-20 defeat to his former club Warrington due to a one-match ban.
Leeds coach Richard Agar has been forced to ring the changes to his 21-man squad.
Utility man Richie Myler has been ruled out with a groin injury. Tonga winger David Fusitu’a misses out as he completes his minimum 10-day return to play protocol. He failed a head injury assessment in last week’s loss to the Wolves.
The Rhinos are also without back-rower James Bentley and hooker Brad Dwyer, who begin their four and one-match suspensions respectively.
Leeds goal-kicker Rhyse Martin has been allowed to return home to Australia on compassionate leave following the death of his father last week.
Harry Newman, Alex Mellor, Jarrod O’Connor and Bodene Thompson, who missed out on selection last week, are all included this week.
Corey Johnson has returned to Leeds following a loan stint with Bradford. Max Simpson could make his first team debut for the Rhinos.
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Wigan coach Matt Peet has made just one change to his side that won at Hull KR in round one. Young hooker Brad O’Neill replaces injured centre Iain Thornley.
Joe Shorrocks, Abbas Miski and Harry Smith could feature for the Warriors after not making the matchday squad last week.
Wigan duo Zak Hardaker and Brad Singleton will come up against their former club on Friday night.
Wigan: Bibby, Hardaker, Marshall, Cust, Leuluai, Singleton, Powell, Mago, Isa, Farrell, Bateman, Smithies, Ellis, Smith, Partington, Byrne, Pearce-Paul, Shorrocks, Field, Miski, O’Neill.
Leeds: Walker, Newman, Sutcliffe, Handley, Austin, Sezer, Oledzki, Leeming, Prior, Tetevano, Mellor, Smith, Thompson, Briscoe, Gannon, Broadbent, O’Connor, Donaldson, Johnson, Simpson, Tindall.
The Super League clash between Wigan and Leeds takes place on Friday at the DW Stadium (8pm), live on Sky Sports.
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