Return of Delaney is timely boost for Leeds

The 28-year-old was rested last week, when Rhinos crushed London Broncos 54-6, having been man-of-the-match in the previous week’s win over Widnes Vikings.

Delaney has collected a series of bumps and bruises this term, but it was a foot problem which kept him out of the London clash.

“I’ll be back this week,” said Delaney yesterday.

“I was probably fit to go last Friday, but they made a call a couple of days before to give me a bit of a rest and make sure I’m right for this one.

“My ankle was swollen. I hurt it in the game before, but other than that I was all right. I carried on playing with it anyway, so I would have been all right.”

This week’s game will see Super League’s two remaining unbeaten sides go head to head.Saints are top of the table with six wins from six matches, a point clear of Rhinos, who have won five and drawn one – a thrilling 12-12 tie against Huddersfield Giants.

“I am looking forward to it and I know all the boys are,” said Delaney.

“It will be a good test for us to see where we are at.

“We have been building, but this is a game when we’ve got to show what we are made of. They are playing well and they haven’t lost, neither have we, so hopefully we can get a good performance on Friday night and get a win.

“They have got some big forwards, but our boys are up for it and I’m sure we can go there and get a result.

“It’s going to be a big test for our forwards against a bigger pack, but I’ve no doubt we can match them.”

Hull captain Gareth Ellis and Hull KR forward Justin Poore, meanwhile, have both been cited for Grade C offences following the weekend’s round six action.

Ellis has been sanctioned for a shoulder charge on Widnes captain Kevin Brown during his team’s 7-0 defeat to theVikings.

Poore has been charged for a dangerous throw on Bradford Bulls’ Matty Blythe. Former England international Ellis can submit an early guilty plea by 11am today, but Poore, who has already been banned this season, cannot and must face the RFL.