Rhinos v Warriors: Teams
Leeds Rhinos welcome back full-back Brent Webb for Friday's Super League clash with Wigan Warriors at Headingley.
Last Updated: 12/03/09 9:30am
Super League champions Leeds Rhinos have received a welcome fitness boost ahead of Friday's home game against Wigan with the return of full-back Brent Webb.
Australia-born Webb has been out of action since the Grand Final elimination game against Warriors last September with a back injury.
The same injury also forced Webb to miss the World Cup as well as the World Club Challenge defeat to Manly, but the 28-year-old is set to make his comeback ahead of schedule.
Coach Brian McClennan said: "We are delighted to have Brent back involved this week.
"Our medical and conditioning staff have done a great job with him to get him ready to return and now it is time for him to take the next step.
"We will monitor him over the next two days in training but at this stage we are confident he will play some part on Friday night."
Senior missing
Leeds are still without centre Keith Senior, who has failed to recover from a shoulder injury sustained in the Elland Road loss to the Sea Eagles, but the return of Webb will allow Lee Smith to switch from full-back.
The Rhinos also welcome back hooker Matt Diskin and second rower Ian Kirke for the visit of in-form Wigan.
England captain Jamie Peacock has also been included in McClennan's 19-man squad despite picking up a shoulder injury in last Sunday's 20-14 win at Warrington.
Wigan coach Brian Noble has named an unchanged squad following his side's 44-10 win over Bradford, which means there is no place for Australian centre Cameron Phelps, who has recovered from a hamstring injury.
The Warriors have won their last three league games at Headingley and after a sticky start to 2009, have recorded back-to-back victories in Super League.
Tim Smith and Karl Pryce are the two players who missed out on the final 17-man party that faced the Bulls at the JJB Stadium last time out.
Leeds squad: Webb, Donald, Smith, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Lauitiiti, Sinfield, Diskin, Bailey, Kirke, Ablett, Burgess, Gibson, Allan, Watkins.
Wigan squad: Roberts, Carmont, Richards, Smith, Leuluai, Fielden, Riddell, Paleaaesina, Hock, Bailey, O'Loughlin, J. Tomkins, Coley, Hansen, McIlorum, Pryce, O'Carroll, S. Tomkins, Ainscough.