Leeds Rhinos hit by injury blow, but some good news as 21-man squad named for Super League game at Hull KR

Mikolaj Oledzki has a shoulder injury and is not included in Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad. With fellow prop Tom Holroyd still on the casualty list, Leeds are down to just two experienced front-rowers and rookie Tom Nicholson-Watton has been drafted in for what could be only his second Betfred Super League appearance. The 21-year-old made his debut in the final match of the 2023 campaign and impressed in Rhinos’ pre-season games.

Good news for Rhinos is second-row James McDonnell’s potential return from a pre-season injury. Hooker Corey Johnson and second-row Leon Ruan are also added to the players on duty in last Friday’s opening win over Salford Red Devils and full-back Alfie Edgell retains his place after being 18th man. Wingers David Fusitu’a (knee and calf) and Derrell Olpherts (hip) both remain unavailable, alongside Holroyd (knee), second-rower Morgan Gannon (head/shoulder) and centre Max Simpson (knee).