New Rhinos set to make first charge

Leeds have three players making a delayed debut in their re-arranged match against Wakefield today.

The fixture was originally scheduled for Boxing Day, but postponed because of the freezing weather. It will now be played as the second half of a cross-code double-header, following Leeds Carnegie's union match against Gloucester.

Zak Hardaker, the young back signed from Featherstone, Weller Hauraki, who impressed with Crusaders last season, and the Australian prop Ben Cross, will all make their first appearances for the Rhinos.

It will be a brief stopover for Hardaker, who had been immediately loaned back to Featherstone for the 2011 season.

Leeds will be without their long-term casualties, Danny McGuire and Jamie Peacock, along with Keith Senior, Chris Clarkson and Kylie Leuluai, who are all recovering from treatment for injuries, while the hooker Danny Buderus has been on paternity leave in Australia.

Like all clubs, Leeds' training has been affected by the cold snap, but they have been better off than Wakefield, who have managed just one full outdoor session so far.

The Wildcats will be without Daryl Millard, who has a prior commitment. That means Aaron Murphy will move to centre and Luke George comes in on the wing in the only changes from the side named for Boxing Day.