Both Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer have been ruled out of the Rhinos’ trip to Toulouse on Saturday, while captain Kruise Leeming is also still missing with a foot injury.
Austin, who was in last week’s 20-man squad, did not play at Newcastle after picking up a calf injury.
It is so far unclear as to why Sezer is not in the squad.
Matt Prior is also out, he will miss the next two matches after copping a suspension for a late hit against Castleford.
Zak Hardaker is named in the squad but picked up a knock against Castleford so it seems unlikely he will play.
The Rhinos have brought in Wakefield youngster Yusuf Aydin on a two-week loan deal. The forward will be available for Rohan Smith’s squad for Saturday’s clash with Toulouse and Wigan at home next week.
Back from a two-game suspension, Bodene Thompson also returns to the side. It is likely he will provide extra forward cover off the bench in what is looking to be a game played in over 38-degree heat.
Young winger Liam Tindall is also back in the team after missing the last seven due to injury.
Overall, the squad is much more depleted than we thought. With so many forwards out and no halfbacks, it is going to be a tough task to topple Toulouse, who are firmly in a relegation battle to stay in the league.
Predicted team from squad named:
16. Richie Myler
2. David Fusitu’a
28. Max Simpson
4. Liam Sutcliffe
5. Ash Handley (c)
32. Jack Sinfield
26. Corey Johnson
8. Mikolaj Oledzki
24. Jarrod O’Connor
22. Sam Walters
11. James Bentley
12. Rhyse Martin
17. Cameron Smith
Bench:
14. Brad Dwyer
21. Morgan Gannon
19.. Bodene Thompson
34. Yusuf Aydin
