Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos: Good news and bad news for visitors as squads are named

By Peter Smith
Published 7th Feb 2020, 12:52 BST
Updated 7th Feb 2020, 14:56 BST
Rhyse Martin will captain Leeds for the first time. Picture by Leeds Rhinos.Rhyse Martin will captain Leeds for the first time. Picture by Leeds Rhinos.
Rhyse Martin will captain Leeds for the first time. Picture by Leeds Rhinos.
Leeds Rhinos will welcome back one key player when they visit Huddersfield Giants on Sunday, but have lost another.

Prop Ava Seumanufagai has been named in Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad after missing last week’s defeat by Hull due to a knee injury.

But Rhinos will go into the Betfred Super League round two clash without captain Stevie Ward who has concussion.

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That could mean a first Leeds start for Alex Mellor who joined them in the off-season from Huddersfield and was a substitute in round one.

Ava Seumanufagai returns to Rhinos' 21. Picture by Steve Riding.Ava Seumanufagai returns to Rhinos' 21. Picture by Steve Riding.
Ava Seumanufagai returns to Rhinos' 21. Picture by Steve Riding.

Seumanufagai’s inclusion in place of Ward is the only change to the 21 named last week.

Konrad Hurrell, who failed a head test last Sunday, has retained his place.

Rhyse Evans, Callum Mclelland, Luke Briscoe and Tom Holroyd, who were unused reserves, all remain in the squad.