By Matty Ramage
Leeds Rhinos and St Helens have both announced their squads for Thursday’s game. Rhinos’ fans will be relieved to see a Leeds squad filled with big names following the awful injury problems of last season. Captain Danny McGuire has been named in the squad despite rumours circulating about his fitness following a season plagued by injuries last year.
New hooker Matt Parcell is in line to make his Super League debut having been signed from Manly Sea Eagles in the summer, and will be trying to make a big impression. There are notable absences for the Rhinos as prop Keith Galloway and second row Brett Ferres are both still recovering from injuries that kept the pair out of the four nations. Brett Delaney is also not included in the squad.
Rhinos legend Rob Burrow will reach the milestone of 500 career appearances should he feature on Thursday, which is a massive achievement for the player who is taking part in his 17th Super League season this year.
St Helens will be without new signing Matty Smith, who broke his leg in pre-season. They will also be without fan favourite Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook. Luke Douglas, signed from the Gold Coast Titans in the summer could make his debut on Thursday night with big things expected of the Scotland international. Douglas’ fellow countryman Adam Walker could also make his Super League debut for Saints against Leeds, having earned himself a move form relegated Hull KR.