Bruised and depleted Rhinos go ahead with Quins game

LEEDS RHINOS have turned down the chance to postpone their fixture with Harlequins despite knowing they will be without four players due to international commitments.

The Engage Super League champions – who were yesterday drawn against St Helens in the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals – head to the capital a week on Saturday without captain Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Danny McGuire and Ryan Hall.

They have all been selected for England's mid-season game against France on the same evening and RFL regulations state if a club has so many individuals involved they can re-arrange.

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But, after discussions with Harlequins, chief executive Gary Hetherington has declined the opportunity with a lack of alternative dates proving problematic.

It puts pressure on a Leeds squad who, despite their current revival, are still down in fifth place and unable to suffer many further defeats if they want to realistically challenge for top spot.

Rob Burrow and Kallum Watkins are also injured and Hetherington admitted: "It was right that we explored all avenues to make sure we were making the right decision for our club.

"We want to finish the season as high as possible in the league table and every league point will be vital given the competitive nature of this year's campaign.

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"Harlequins are always a tough opponent on their own ground and we know it will be a big challenge for us.

"However, we have every faith in our squad of players that will rise to that challenge."

Leeds do welcome back full-back Brent Webb from suspension for tomorrow night's visit of Wakefield while centre Keith Senior is free to play after last night avoiding a ban from the RFL disciplinary committee.

The ex-Great Britain centre escaped with a 300 fine after being found guilty of kicking out at Joel Tomkins in Saturday's cup win over Wigan Warriors.

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Following that victory, Leeds will play Saints in the semi-final on Saturday, August 7 with holders Warrington Wolves paired against Catalans Dragons the following day. Both venues are yet to be confirmed.

Paul Sykes will miss Bradford Bulls' game against Huddersfield on Sunday after being suspended for one match and fined 300 by the RFL disciplinary committee following a dangerous throw on Warrington's Chris Hicks in their quarter-final loss.

Wakefield Trinity welcome back Glenn Morrison from a broken thumb at Headingley Carnegie tomorrow along with Ben Jeffries while Leeds opponent McGuire has seen his chances of regaining an England shirt enhanced following news St Helens scrum-half Kyle Eastmond could be missing for a month due to an ankle injury.

That is also good news for Hull who entertain Saints tomorrow night while across the city Hull KR have allowed stand-off Chaz I'Anson to go on a month's loan to Widnes where he will debut in tonight's Northern Rail Cup quarter-final against Barrow.

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The 23-year-old stepped into the stand-off role following Paul Cooke's departure to Wakefield in March but has not figured in Rovers' last two matches.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Storm's Gareth Widdop has revealed how he mis-took England coach Steve McNamara for a journalist following his surprise call-up to the international squad.

The Halifax-born full-back, 21, has only played twice for Melbourne but is in line for an England debut against France.

"It was a bit of a shock when Steve McNamara called me," he said, who emigrated with his family four years ago and soon qualifies for dual-citizenship.

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"When I heard the English accent I thought it was a journalist at first asking me about the Storm.

"He said he'd been watching my progress and asked if I was interested in playing for England. I told him it would be a privilege and a dream come true."