Kear wary as wounded Rhinos look for backlash

The champions suffered a shock loss against Castleford Tigers last week and head to another of their West Yorkshire rivals eager to quickly get back on track.

Kear said: "Leeds will not have been very happy about being beaten at home by Castleford.

"We know we will have to be on our game to stand a chance of beating them."

But confident Wakefield have won both of their opening fixtures and will maintain top spot in Super League if they heap more misery on Brian McClennan's men.

Kear's options have been bolstered by the return of former Leeds hooker Terry Newton after he missed their win over Catalans with a bicep injury.

Paul Johnson has failed to shake off the effects of a head knock suffered against the Frenchmen but prop Richard Moore is set to feature after completing a one-match ban and full-back Matt Blaymire may get his first appearance of the campaign from the bench.

Castleford, meanwhile, host Warrington Wolves tonight and Bradford Bulls believe keeping England star Kyle Eastmond quiet is imperative if they are to pick up their first victory tomorrow against St Helens.

"Saints have obviously got a real gem in their half backs," said Bulls coach Steve McNamara, who worked first-hand with the the young St Helens scrum-half while on international duty in last autumn's Gillette Four Nations.

"I am sure Kyle will be good for them but hopefully we can keep him at bay. If we do that we will go a long way towards winning this game. "

SAMOAN international winger Misi Taulapapa, who played for Cronulla Sharks in the NRL, hopes to make his Sheffield Eagles debut in their Northern Rail Cup derby with York City Knights tomorrow when dual-registered Leeds Rhinos centre Michael Coady is also set for his bow in Featherstone Rovers' game at Leigh.

Keighley Cougars aim to maintain their 100 per cent record in the competition at home to Workington while Hunslet Hawks must entertain Oldham without Luke Haigh (broken jaw)who faces 10 weeks out.