Super League; Leeds Rhinos v London Broncos preview
Leeds could hand a debut to prop Rob Mulhern but Joel Moon will miss Friday's clash with London Broncos at Headingley.
Last Updated: 22/03/14 9:34am
Teenager Mulhern trained with the first team during pre-season and has now been rewarded for his impressive performances in the under 19's in 2014 with a place in Brian McDermott's squad.
Ian Kirke could also make a welcome return to action, the forward having missed the opening five rounds of Super League following rib surgery in the off-season.
The hosts also look set to recall Ryan Hall in a week when the England international signed a new five-year deal to pledge his long-term future to the Yorkshire club despite interest from the NRL, as well as rugby union.
The winger was a spectator as his colleagues cruised to a 38-4 triumph over Widnes last time out, though he understands the need for McDermott to rotate his squad.
"We've started very well so far," Hall told Sky Sports. "We're not suggesting that we are going to go and win everything this year, but we are a team that strives to win everything.
"We've got a core group of players that are committed to the team for quite a few years, so it's nice to play with the same group of people.
"I missed out last weekend, but that is part of the healthy competition we've developed. It was a bit strange to watch from the sidelines, I'm not used to doing that part, so it will be nice to be back this week."
Jones-Bishop brace
Hall's absence against Widnes afforded the opportunity for Ben Jones-Bishop to make his first start of 2014 - he duly responded with a brace of tries.
While he played on the wing against the Vikings, Jones-Bishop could be pushed inside against the Broncos as centre Joel Moon has been ruled out with a knee injury. Jamie Peacock and Brett Delaney are also left out of the 19-man party.
The Broncos, meanwhile, head up north following back-to-back home defeats during which they conceded a combined total of 94 points against Warrington and Wakefield.
They are yet to register a point this year and are only avoided propping up the rest in the table by Bradford still being in minus points following their punishment for going into administration.
"We were obviously very disappointed last time out," head coach Tony Rea told the club's official website.
"We're looking forward to getting back out on the field. Headingley will be a great rugby league experience for the boys and the ideal way to get back on the horse."
The only change to Rea's squad sees Iliess Macani replaced Jordan Atkins, who drops out due to a knee problem.
Leeds: Hardaker, Jones-Bishop, Watkins, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Aiton, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield, Ward, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson, Achurch, Briscoe, Singleton, Mulhern.
London Broncos: Bishay, Caton-Brown, Cook, Cunningham, Drinkwater, Farrar, Forster, Foster, Greenwood, Griffin, Krasniqi, Macani, McMeeken, Minns, Moore, O'Callaghan, Slyney, Solomona, Vea.