Harry Newman could make his return for Leeds Rhinos this weekend. The centre is set to hand Rohan Smith a major boost ahead of Friday night's Super League play-off tie against Catalans Dragons after being named in Rohan Smith's 21-man squad for the game.
Newman has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury against Hull Kingston Rovers last month. However, he could now be back in time for the biggest game of the Rhinos' season - but Newman's return has been offset by two major setbacks for Smith.
Leeds will be without forward Rhyse Martin, who was handed a one-match ban by the Rugby Football League's disciplinary panel on Monday, which was ultimately increased by another match after a frivolous appeal. And that news has been compounded by an injury to Ash Handley, who suffered a foot injury last week against Castleford.
Read more: Latest odds for next St Helens coach including former Championship boss and ex-Hull FC man
Handley's injury is sufficient enough to rule him out of the trip to Catalans, leaving Leeds without one of their most prolific and important players this weekend.
That could open the door for the likes of Liam Tindall to return on the wing, though Zak Hardaker is another option to move out wide, as he did during the victory over Castleford last Saturday.
Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad: Harry Newman, Liam Sutcliffe, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Mikolaj Oledzki, Kruise Leeming, Matt Prior, James Bentley, Zane Tetevano, Brad Dwyer, Richie Myler, Cameron Smith, Tom Briscoe, Morgan Gannon, Sam Walters, Jarrod O'Connor, James Donaldson, Corey Johnson, Muizz Mustapha, Liam Tindall, Zak Hardaker.
Read next
Castleford's Alex Mellor defends Leeds' Rhyse Martin after failed ban appeal
Wakefield CEO Michael Carter discusses recruitment strategy, retention frustrations and 2023 plans
Update on venue for Women's Super League Grand Final with two Yorkshire teams reaching final
Leeds Rhinos star among trio named in Super League Young Player of Year nominees
Alternative Super League Dream Team with players who missed out on selection
