Leeds Rhinos Name Squad to Face Leigh Leopards Leeds 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has officially selected his 21-man squad for the upcoming Betfred Super League clash against Leigh Leopards at AMT Headingley.
• The fixture is scheduled for Thursday evening, with kick-off confirmed for 8:00 PM.
• Experienced winger Ryan Hall makes his return to the squad after recovering from an injury sustained during the Magic Weekend victory against Bradford Bulls.
• Outside back Ned McCormack returns to availability having successfully passed the return-to-play concussion protocol following a head injury incurred against Toulouse Olympique.
• Young back Alfie Edgell is excluded from the squad due to a quad injury suffered in the previous week’s match against Wakefield Trinity.
• International prop Mikolaj Oledzki is set to make his 200th career appearance for Leeds Rhinos across all competitions.
• Fellow forward Tom Holroyd is also nearing a significant club milestone as he prepares for his 100th appearance in Leeds colours.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) August 13, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has confirmed his 21-man squad for Thursday evening’s Super League fixture against Leigh Leopards at AMT Headingley, featuring the return of seasoned winger Ryan Hall alongside a major milestone for prop Mikolaj Oledzki. The encounter, set for an 8:00 PM kick-off, brings key squad adjustments as the Rhinos seek to consolidate their position in the competition while navigating ongoing injury managed rotation.

Which Key Players Have Returned to the Leeds Rhinos 21-Man Squad?

The most notable inclusion in Brad Arthur’s selection is veteran England international winger Ryan Hall. Hall had been sidelined since suffering an injury during the club’s Magic Weekend fixture against West Yorkshire rivals Bradford Bulls. His inclusion provides the Rhinos with experienced backline coverage and proven finish capability on the flank.

In addition to Hall’s recovery, young outside back Ned McCormack has been recalled to the 21-man group. McCormack completed the mandatory head injury assessment and gradual return-to-play protocols required by the Rugby Football League (RFL) following a head knock sustained during the home victory against French side Toulouse Olympique. His clearance provides additional tactical flexibility for Arthur across the backline positions.

Which Players Are Unavailable for Selection Due to Injury?

While Arthur receives a double boost with the returns of Hall and McCormack, the squad is forced into a change following an injury to Alfie Edgell.

The versatile back suffered a quad injury during the second half of last week’s fixture against Wakefield Trinity, ruling him out of action for this week’s fixture.

Edgell joins a casualty list that includes long-term absentees such as Maika Sivo, who remains sidelined with an arm issue, and forward Keenan Palasia. The medical staff at Headingley continue to monitor Edgell’s progress to establish an expected timeline for his rehabilitation and eventual return to first-team selection.

What Career Milestone Is Mikolaj Oledzki Poised to Achieve Against Leigh Leopards?

Thursday’s match carries significant personal importance for England international prop Mikolaj Oledzki, who is in line to make his 200th appearance for Leeds Rhinos in all competitions.

The 25-year-old front-rower made his senior debut for the club in April 2017 during a Challenge Cup tie against Doncaster, marking the occasion by scoring a try after coming off the interchange bench. Since then, Oledzki has established himself as a core pillar of the Leeds forward pack, earning representative honours for England and winning the Challenge Cup in 2020.

Similarly, prop forward Tom Holroyd is positioned on the brink of a notable milestone. Should he feature against Leigh, Holroyd will reach 100 career appearances for Leeds Rhinos. Holroyd handed his debut by former head coach Brian McDermott in June 2018 against Catalans Dragons, also commencing his first-team career from the bench.

Who Else Has Been Included in Brad Arthur’s 21-Man Selection?

The full 21-man squad named by Brad Arthur features a blend of established international figures and emerging academy talent:

• Full-backs & Outside Backs: Lachlan Miller, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, Chris Hankinson, Riley Lumb, Ned McCormack.
• Halves & Playmakers: Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Jack Sinfield.
• Forwards: Mikolaj Oledzki, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, James McDonnell, Jarrod O’Connor, Cooper Jenkins, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Fergus McCormack, Zak Lloyd.

Explore More Leeds Rhinos News

Leeds Rhinos Face Tough Wakefield Trinity Test in West Yorkshire 2026

Brad Arthur Praises Wakefield Ahead of Sold-Out Derby, Leeds 2026

What is the Background to This Squad Announcement?

The squad selection comes at a crucial junction in the Super League campaign for Leeds Rhinos. Under head coach Brad Arthur, who assumed leadership midway through the season, the club has focused on building consistency in both performance and selection despite periodic injury setbacks to key personnel.

The Rhinos enter the fixture following a series of tight domestic contests, including a hard-fought victory over Wakefield Trinity and previous victories against Toulouse Olympique and Bradford Bulls. Leigh Leopards, coached by Adrian Lam, arrive at AMT Headingley seeking to secure crucial competition points to maintain their own post-season play-off ambitions.

Matches between Leeds and Leigh have historically proven competitive, with tactical execution in the forward pack often dictating the match outcome.

How Will This Squad Announcement Affect the Team and Supporters?

The availability of Ryan Hall and Ned McCormack grants Brad Arthur additional depth in the wing and centre positions, allowing for defensive structure retention against a high-scoring Leigh Leopards side. Hall’s experience in yardage carries out of deep defence is expected to relieve pressure on the forward pack during set restarts.

For the supporters at AMT Headingley, the match represents an opportunity to acknowledge the long-term contribution of Mikolaj Oledzki as he reaches 200 appearances. The milestone highlights home-grown talent progression within the Leeds system, offering a focal point of celebration alongside the immediate competitive requirements of the Super League fixture.