Leeds Rhinos 2022 preview: New half-back pair to lead to glory?

Leeds kick-off the new season in the strongest shape they have been for a few years after some eye-catching recruitment.

They have re-united former Canberra half-backs Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer, as well as bringing in James Bentley from St Helens and former NRL top try scorer David Fusitu’a.

With their exciting crop of young talent, particularly in the pack, and the continuing growth of Harry Newman and Ash Handley as established first teamers, they have all the ingredients to do well.

Like with many other teams in Super League though, they will be hoping to avoid injuries to key men.

The Rhinos should certainly be challenging for silverware on all fronts in 2022.

Key man

What they said

Richard Agar talked to the media at the Super League launch ahead of their kick-off live on Channel 4.

“Ultimately, it’s how you go over 20 odd rounds and ourselves last year we had a really difficult start but we managed to hang in there and make the penultimate game.

“Everybody wants to get a good start but the true test is over 20 odd rounds and nine months and how deep and good and adaptable your squad is going to be over that period of time.

“Channel 4 is a great opportunity for a sport and I can’t highlight enough how excited I am and I am getting that general feeling from within the game again.”

Leeds Rhinos 2022 preview: Key info

Coach: Richard Agar (since May 2019).

Captain: Kruise Leeming.

In: James Bentley (St Helens), Aidan Sezer (Huddersfield), Blake Austin (Warrington), David Fusitu’a (New Zealand Warriors).

Out: Luke Gale (Hull), Rob Lui (Townsville Blackhawks), Konrad Hurrell (St Helens), Alex Sutcliffe, Callum McLelland (both Castleford), King Vuniyayawa (Salford), Luke Briscoe (Featherstone), Corey Hall (Wakefield).

Leeds Rhinos 2022 preview: squad in full

1. Jack Walker, 2. David Fusitu’a, 3. Harry Newman, 4. Liam Sutcliffe, 5. Ash Handley, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 9. Kruise Leeming, 10. Matt Prior, 11. James Bentley, 12. Rhyse Martin, 13. Zane Tetevano, 14. Brad Dwyer, 15. Alex Mellor, 16. Richie Myler, 17. Cameron Smith, 18. Tom Holroyd, 19. Bodene Thompson, 20. Tom Briscoe, 21. Morgan Gannon, 22. Sam Walters, 23. Jack Broadbent, 24. Jarrod O’Connor, 25. James Donaldson, 26. Corey Johnson, 27. Muizz Mustapha, 28. Corey Hall, 29. Liam Tindall, 30. Levi Edwards, 31. Oli Field, 32. Jack Sinfield.

Leeds odds: Grand Final winner 8/1 (5th), Regular season winner 9/1 (5th)

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