Super League Preview: Leeds v London

Leeds have called up teenage stand-off Liam Sutcliffe to his squad for Friday’s visit of London.

The Rhinos are without Brett Delaney (injured) and Ryan Bailey (suspended), but hope to welcome back Ian Kirke.

Of Sutcliffe, coach Brian McDermott said: “He has been very impressive in the Under 19s this season and that is proving to be a great competition for developing young players. Liam was 18th man last week against Warrington and has trained with the squad this week. 

“He may not feature this week, we have got a couple of people we have to make late checks on but I would have no hesitation in putting him in as he is a very talented young player.”

The Broncos are without Tony Clubb, who will be out for eight weeks with a knee injury, with Will Lovell coming in to the squad alongside Ben Fisher.

London coach Tony Rea said: “It’s one of the great days of the season going up to Headingley.

“It’s a terrific ground and great place to play rugby league. Leeds are in terrific form and we know we’ll have to be at our best on Friday night to beat them.”

Leeds 19-man squad: Hardaker, Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, McShane, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield, Ward, Sutcliffe, Kirke, Clarkson, Achurch, Moore, Singleton.

London 19-man squad: Bailey, Bryant, Channing, Colbon, Cook, Dixon, Dollapi, Fisher, Gower, Hurst, Kaufusi, Lee, Lovell, Melling, Randall, Rodney, Sarginson, Wheeldon, Witt.

Prediction: Hard to see past the in-form Rhinos for this one – home win.

Stats:

Leeds have won their last eleven (nine Super League and two Challenge Cup) Headingley meetings with the capital side (as London Broncos) since 2001. The Broncos’ last away win was 18-6 on 15 September, 2000 – in the last regular season game of Super League V.

Super League summary

Leeds won 27
London Broncos won 9
Leeds highest score: 64-6 (H, 2005) (Widest margin: 60-0, A, 2006)
London Broncos highest score: 40-16 (H, 1997) (also widest margin)