Leeds Rhinos have been dealt a blow as their 30-year-old Australian playmaker, Blake Austin, has been sidelined for at least two weeks due to a hamstring strain. This injury, sustained in the recent win over Hull FC, could end his season if the Rhinos fail to secure a spot in the Super League top six.
In his debut season in England, Austin has contributed significantly with seven tries and 17 assists across 24 Super League appearances. Currently, Leeds sit seventh on the table, level on points with St Helens and just one point behind Leigh Leopards in fifth and sixth places, respectively.
France international Mickael Goudemand has returned to the 21-man squad as the Rhinos prepare for the penultimate game of the regular season. Leeds have been in good form against Wigan, losing just once in their last five encounters, including a dominant 30-4 victory in their most recent meeting at AMT Headingley.
Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad:
Fusitu’a, Newman, Momirovski, Croft, Frawley, Oledzki, Ackers, Bentley, Martin, Smith, O’Connor, Lisone, McDonnell, Sangare, Goudemand, Sinfield, Donaldson, Edgell, Nicholson-Watton, Littlewood, Lumb.