Rhinos v Saints: Teams
Brian McClennan is able to recall Matt Diskin, Lee Smith and Ian Kirke for the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens.
Last Updated: 06/08/10 2:42pm
Leeds coach Brian McClennan is able to recall Matt Diskin, Lee Smith and Ian Kirke for the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens.
Diskin, who is one of only five squad members who were part of the semi-final victory over Saints in 2003, could return for the first time since injuring a groin against Harlequins in June.
Smith and Kirke are expected to be back after missing last week's Super League defeat at Wigan.
Rhinos are without Carl Ablett through suspension whilst Greg Eastwood, Ali Lauitiiti and Kallum Watkins are ruled out through injury.
Young prop Luke Ambler is included in the initial 19-man squad.
St Helens coach Mick Potter can call on the services of Matt Gidley after the centre overcame a thigh strain.
It is Saints' 10th semi-final appearance in succession and they are also boosted by the return of goal-kicking winger Jonny Lomax.
However, Potter will not risk scrum-half Kyle Eastmond, who is ruled out with an ankle problem.
And the out-going coach remains unconcerned that he could go through his two-year tenure at Knowsley Road without picking up any silverware.
"Trophies are something the club are really big on," admitted Potter, who will take over at Bradford next season.
"Everyone loves to win and I would love to leave St Helens at the end of the year with some silverware. But whatever will happen, will happen.
"I don't need any extra motivation. I play to win whatever the game is and so does everyone here. We've got a top quality group of players and there's an expectation to win things. That's as it should be.
"It will be out of my control once the players get out there. I know the players will give their all and we're very hopeful, very optimistic and very determined. We've a chance."
Leeds squad: Webb, Donald, Delaney, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Buderus, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Sinfield, Diskin, Bailey, Kirke, Burgess, Ambler, Clarkson, Smith.
St Helens squad: Wellens, Gardner, Gidley, Meli, Pryce, Cunningham, Graham, Puletua, Wilkin, Flannery, Roby, Hargreaves, Moore, Clough, Ashurst, Lomax, Emmitt, Magennis, Foster.