AS Warrington Wolves prepare to face Leeds Rhinos at Magic Weekend, they will do so in the knowledge that they will not have to face Brodie Croft.
The former Super League Man of Steel was left out of Leeds' 21-man squad to face The Wire at Elland Road, with the club confirming he had returned to Australia on compassionate grounds to attend his grandfather's funeral.
While Croft may be absent, however, head coach Brad Arthur is able to welcome two key men back into the fold in skipper Cameron Smith and winger Ash Handley.
Both missed the Rhinos' impressive victory over Wigan Warriors last week - Smith through suspension and Handley through a wrist injury - but both are set to feature against Sam Burgess' side.
Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad to face Warrington Wolves at Magic Weekend
Lachie Miller, David Fusitu'a, Harry Newman, Paul Momirovski, Ash Handley, Matt Frawley, Andy Ackers, James Bentley, Rhyse Martin, Cameron Smith, Jarrod O'Connor, Sam Lisone, James McDonnell, Justin Sangare, Mickael Goudemand, Jack Sinfield, James Donaldson, Corey Johnson, Alfie Edgell, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Ben Littlewood
Brad Arthur has named his 21 man squad for Saturday's Magic Weekend clash with Warrington at Elland Road. Brodie Croft will not be available on compassionate grounds whilst skipper Cameron Smith returns from suspension
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) August 15, 2024
🤝 In partnership with @NuffieldHealth
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here