Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos: Jamie Jones-Buchanan set to return
Last Updated: 30/04/15 10:30pm
Jamie Jones-Buchanan could make his return from injury in Leeds Rhinos’ Super League trip to Huddersfield Giants on Thursday.
The second rower has been absent for a month with a hamstring injury but he is expected to be a straight replacement for the ever-present Stevie Ward if he fails to recover from an ankle strain.
Jones-Buchanan replaces Ashton Golding in Brian McDermott’s 19-man squad as the Rhinos attempt to return to winning ways following last weekend’s home reverse against Warrington.
Jimmy Keinhorst could also make his first appearance of the season after being included, while young prop Rob Mulhern retains his place in the squad.
Huddersfield coach Paul Anderson has called up hooker Kruise Leeming for his first appearance of the season. He replaces the rested Luke Robinson in the only change to the side that won at Hull.
The best attack in Super League goes up against the best defence at the John Smith’s Stadium. Anderson’s miserly Giants have conceded just 174 points in 12 games, while the free-scoring Rhinos are averaging more than 36 points a match.
"We've got a lot of confidence in our defence and a lot of confidence in each other and that definitely helps," said Anderson. "You can tell the boys are out there enjoying themselves.
"There's a togetherness and a camaraderie between them and it always helps, when teams are challenging, that you know your team-mates are going to have your back."
Huddersfield Giants: Danny Brough, Jodie Broughton, Jake Connor, Eorl Crabtree, Leroy Cudjoe, Jamie Ellis, Scott Grix, Craig Huby, Jack Hughes, Josh Johnson, Craig Kopczak, Michael Lawrence, Kruise Leeming, Anthony Mullally, Aaron Murphy, Ukuma Ta’ai, Joe Wardle, Kyle Wood.
Leeds Rhinos: Carl Ablett, Mitch Achurch, Paul Aiton, Rob Burrow, Adam Cuthbertson, Brett Delaney, Ash Handley, Zak Hardaker, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jimmy Keinhorst, Danny McGuire, Joel Moon, Rob Mulhern, Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield, Brad Singleton, Liam Sutcliffe, Stevie Ward, Kallum Watkins.
Watch Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos live on Sky Sports 2 on Thursday from 7.30pm