Leigh Centurions v Leeds Rhinos: Five talking points ahead of tonight's game
Both teams are looking to get off the mark after defeats in round one. Here are five talking points ahead of the game.
1: It’s too early to be a genuine must-win, but pressure is on Rhinos to claim the two points. If they are going to get back into the top-eight this year – never mind the top-four – it’s the sort of match they can’t afford to lose.
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Hide Ad2: Fingers crossed for Danny McGuire. The return of their captain and half-back, who played only 13 times in 2016 and missed last week’s league opener, will give Rhinos a boost. Leeds need their halves fit and playing well or it will be another disappointing campaign.
3: Early indications are Rhinos’ defence is in good shape, but they need more options and invention on attack. Getting the ball to their dangerous outside-backs is the key and if Leeds can do that, Leigh will struggle to hold them.
4: Big prop Jack Ormondroyd has been named in the 19 for a second successive week after impressing in pre-season and for Featherstone Rovers on dual-registration. He is highly-rated by Championship observers and it would be good to see him get a Super League chance sooner rather than later.
5: Leigh haven’t beaten Leeds since an 18-6 Stones Bitter Championship win at Hilton Park on February 7, 1988. Leeds have won 13 of the 14 meetings since then, with an away draw in November, 1992.