Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR: Super 8s Qualifiers preview
Last Updated: 12/08/16 11:32pm
Stevie Ward has been named in the Leeds squad for Friday's fixture with Hull KR as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.
The forward has missed 11 months and won plaudits for his honest assessment of the depression that blighted him during his time out.
Ward is unlikely to face Rovers at Headingley, having just returned to full training this week, but is delighted to be back in the Rhinos' matchday squad.
"I had a pretty tough session (on Wednesday), getting me ready for a tough one on the field," he told the Leeds Rhinos website.
"I'm back into things, into the regime, it's been a long road.
"It's brilliant; the hard work has been done. I'm back into the work to become a fit rugby league player.
"We've shown that we're up for it and shown that we won't take anyone lightly. We have set the tone and set our stall out for how we're going to do.
"We want to do well in these games and build some momentum for next year."
Hull KR were 30-10 winners at Headingley on April 1 and they are unchanged from their 58-18 win against Batley. Kevin Larroyer retains his place in James Webster's squad after being a late replacement for Joe Cator last week.
Graeme Horne is making progress on his recovery from a back injury but misses out on a place in the Robins' 19-man squad.
"It's another big test but one we're looking forward to," Hull KR coach James Webster told www.hullkr.tv.
"Going to Leeds is always an enjoyable prospect and we can't wait to get out there and test ourselves against a squad that's now well replenished and looking pretty good at the moment."
Leeds Rhinos: Carl Ablett, Mitch Achurch, Tom Briscoe, Rob Burrow, Adam Cuthbertson, Brett Ferres, Keith Galloway, Mitch Garbutt, Ashton Golding, Ryan Hall, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jimmy Keinhorst, Danny McGuire, Joel Moon, James Segeyaro, Brad Singleton, Liam Sutcliffe, Stevie Ward, Kallum Watkins.
Hull KR: Mitch Allgood, Maurice Blair, Chris Clarkson, Ben Cockayne, James Donaldson, James Greenwood, Albert Kelly, Kevin Larroyer, George Lawler, Shaun Lunt, Josh Mantellato, Matty Marsh, Thomas Minns, Robbie Mulhern, Ken Sio, David Thompson, Iain Thornley, Dane Tilse, Adam Walker.