If the 2014 season was any guide the Rhinos will go into Saturday's match against the Wellington Redbacks knowing they are in for a close encounter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite winning all three matches last year, including an easy 44-10 victory in the preliminary final, the Dubbo side will have to combat a young, pacey side from hooker through to fullback.
In what promises to be an entertaining game the Rhinos will do battle without a number of first choice players, including Sam McLeod (injured during a trial match - six to eight weeks), Manbir Mann (surgery on existing arm injury - out for up to eight weeks), Tom Russell (rib injury - indefinite) props Anton Kianuku and Josh Kearines (both personal) plus a number of players out through work commitments.
Tom Kianuku replaces his father Anton at prop, Bryce Adamson plays his first game at hooker and Brett Austin holds up the other side of the scrum as team captain. Jordan Davis (lock) and Nick Rathbone (lock) return from Scott 'Sinkers' Christian's wedding last weekend and slot nicely into the back five.
Alifereti Mundunavere, quickly dubbed 'Fred' from Fiji will run on as fullback and Taiwanese player Lin Wen Yung will come off the bench.
He may not understand much English but he has definitely played the game before and is rarely far from the ball in both attack and defence.
Coach Darren Taylor has had a few awkward hours putting a squad together but will be closer to a settled side after he sees everyone in action.
All registered players should make the effort to be at Wellington Saturday, not only to support the club, but to bolster the playing squad in the event of illness or general unavailability.
The decision to play trials against quality opposition, Blowes Cup teams Parkes and Forbes and Graincorp Cup (southern) premiers, Molong and the effort being put in at training has produced a squad which should be well in the running at the pointy end of the season.
Team: 1. Thomas Kianuku, 2. Bryce Adamson, 3. Brett Austin (c), 4. Vili Manu, 5. Jordan Davis, 6. Drew Gibbs, 7. Kane Rich, 8. Chris Bellhouse, 9. Chris Hobson, 10. Kade Goodwin, 11. Cam Hartog, 12. Andy McClymont, 13. Ed Morrish, 14. Shane Riley , 15. 'Fred' - Alifereti Mundunavere, 16. Scott McKenzie, 17. Nick Rathbone, 18. Lin Wen Yung, 19. Mitch Williams, 20. George Rodrom, 21. Nathan Rich, 22. Jeromy Smith
