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Matthew Shaw

Rohan Smith's key Leeds Rhinos selection decision to make for Warrington Wolves clash

It's a time for cautious optimism at Headingley. Six wins from seven have been the foundation for renewed hope under Rohan Smith and coupled with a rejuvenated attack and notable improvement individually, things are looking up.

But Leeds' play-off position is far from secure yet. Castleford remain above them and Salford have proven in recent weeks that they won't go down quietly, even if the same can't be said for the two Hull clubs.

Friday will be a very rare occurrence in which Richie Myler, Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin take to the field together. Injury and suspension has meant they have only done that once so far this year. Countless halfback combinations later, Leeds can finally have some harmony in the spine.

Read more : Leeds Rhinos promote twelve Scholarship starlets including son of three-time Grand Final winner

The prospect of all three together is an exciting one for Leeds fans. Go all the way back to pre-season, it was clear the three had built a cohesion that promised a great deal at such an early stage.

Scoring points hasn't been a problem for Leeds under Smith and the Australian has stressed the importance of building a system that allows Leeds to perform regardless of who is in the spine. Yet, even he must be drooling at the prospect of getting the three on the field together.

The caveat is Zak Hardaker. Smith has entrusted the 30-year-old with his favoured fullback role and he has seen out his duties with distinction. But should he opt to keep Hardaker at the back, it poses a question that isn't easy to answer; how do you fit the other three into one team?

Myler has been in outstanding form recently and has done so playing in the halves. Does Smith, then, make the move to only pick one of Sezer and Austin and avoid the temptation of playing all three?

Smith talks regularly about making decisions with the bigger picture in mind and given that, it's hard to see Myler, Sezer or Austin not featuring in his plans for the rest of this year and beyond.

It's the classic selection headache. Stick with those that have got Leeds the results, or bring back returning players in the hope they can enhance things further?

It's not only a key call this week, but with a view to the remainder of the season.

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