Leeds Rhinos host Hull Kingston Rovers in a massive Qualifiers clash. Here’s everything you need to know…
SQUAD NEWS
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield has been able to recall Matt Parcell, Jack Walker and Jordan Thompson back to the 19-man squad.
All three players have missed the opening Qualifiers wins over Toulouse Olympique and London Broncos.
Thompson returns having served a two game suspension following his debut at Salford in the final game of the regular season whilst Walker and Parcell have not played since the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi final loss to Warrington Wolves.
Leeds 19-man squad: Golding, T Briscoe, Sutcliffe, Moon, Myler, Cuthbertson, Parcell, Singleton, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Ward, Dwyer, Mullally, Keinhorst, Ferres, Peteru, Walker, L Briscoe, Thompson.
Hull Kingston Rovers
Head coach Tim Sheens has brought back two first-team regulars Maurice Blair and Justin Carney and has included them in the 19-man squad.
Blair makes his return from a two-match suspension, whilst Justin Carney has recovered from an ankle injury to take his place in the squad.
Skipper Shaun Lunt retains his place and is expected to feature against Leeds having pulled out of the victory against Toronto Wolfpack last time out with a minor knock, but Lee Jewitt and Todd Carney won’t be risked at this stage as they recover from concussion and calf injuries respectively. Both players are anticipated to be fit to face Halifax at KCOM Craven Park next weekend.
However, back row forward James Donaldson has been ruled out for a further two to three weeks having suffered a broken bone in his foot against the Wolfpack.
Hull KR 19-man squad: Quinlan, Vaivai, McGuire, Scruton, Lunt, Masoe, Blair, Greenwood, Kavanagh, Clarkson, Lee, Mulhern, Salter, Atkin, Tickle, Carney, Tomkins, Hall, Crooks.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Leeds have won both meetings with Hull KR this season. The Rhinos won at Elland Road in round two 20-11 before a narrow 20-18 win in Hull in April.
Saturday’s game will be Danny McGuire’s first game back at Emerald Headingley since the Rhinos legend left the club at the end of the 2017 season having led the Rhinos to the Grand Final win at Old Trafford.
KEY BATTLE – Jamie Jones-Buchanan vs Danny McGuire
If they are to stay in the Super League in 2019, both teams will definitely be needing a win this weekend and it will be up to the these two players to lead and set the example.
It will certainly be an emotional tie for these two with McGuire having been part of the “golden generation” of Leeds Rhinos. They will look to push the memories aside and go toe-to-toe with each other.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 1st September
Venue: Emerald Headingley Stadium
Kick-off: 3:15pm
Referee: Ben Thaler
POLL
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