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Leeds Rhinos look to write the wrongs of last week’s cup defeat as they take on St Helens in a double header at Headingley.
Friday night promises to be a festival of quality rugby, with both the men’s and the women’s games between the historic clubs taking place on the same night. The women’s match kicks off at 5:30, with the men’s following at 8:00.
Turning attention to the men’s teams, Rohan Smith’s side have been very inconsistent this season and the last two matches against Wigan have epitomised this. This game presents a chance for the Rhinos to get back to some form of consistency and get their hunt for the top six back on track
When the Rhinos are on top form, they’re up amongst the bets sides in the league; however they haven’t shown this enough this season.
One thing they do well when playing on top form is their intent to score. Rohan Smith has given his men the freedom to play rugby how they want, and this is producing some top quality attack.
However they are often their own worst enemies. The Rhinos are prone to making silly errors which has cost them this season. They will need to eliminate these to down St Helens on Friday night.
Rohan Smith has named his 21-man-squad for the game, which sees the return of Luke Hooley and Leon Ruan to the Rhinos squad. Full-back Hooley has not featured since his debut against Hull KR, however he has performed well during his loan spell for Batley. Youngster Morgan Gannon could continue his run in the halves alongside Aidan Sezer as both are in the squad.
Ash Handley is also included in the squad after overcoming an illness. They will be without Sam Lisone and Blake Austin this week due to injury.
Rohan Smith has named his 21 man squad to face St Helens this Friday at Headingley. Ash Handley returns but Blake Austin and Sam Lisone are ruled out with calf injuries
➡ More https://t.co/4OLq3Ix1Pg
? In partnership with @BoardrmUK #YourFutureOurPassion pic.twitter.com/ZsAenCSiZ7— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) May 24, 2023
For the Saints, they come into the game on Friday also looking for some consistency. They will be buoyed by two wins in a row, including last weeks Challenge Cup win over Halifax, however they have not hit their usual heights this year.
Their main issue this year has been their discipline. The Saints have had a whole host of players miss games this year due to bans, in particular Morgan Knowles. Last time out against the Rhinos, they picked up two yellows and a red. Their discipline has cost them this season, and they will need to fix this to get a result against the Rhinos.
Paul Wellens has named his squad for the clash at Headingley, which sees club legend James Roby return to the squad. Konrad Hurrell also returns to the squad to face his old side. Alex Walmsley will be looking to carry on his stellar form as he is named in the team. Morgan Knowles will miss the game through suspension.
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Paul Wellens & Matty Smith have confirmed their Saints squads ahead of our visit to Headingley to take on @leedsrhinos in a double header on Friday!
? @saints1890women – 5:30pm KO
⚪ First Team – 8pm KORead more ?#COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) May 24, 2023
This is the second meeting of the year between the two sides, and last time it was the Rhinos that secured the two points thanks to Blake Austin’s late heroics. Will we see a repeat result on Friday night?
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