Leeds Rhinos chief Richard Agar hopeful seven stood down for Covid will be available to face Hull KR

Preparations for last Friday’s 13-12 win against Huddersfield Giants at St Helens were thrown into disarray when a family member of a Rhinos player began feeling unwell.

He went into isolation along with six team-mates but all of them still drove to St Helens individually in the hope Covid test results would arrive before kick-off.

They did not but Agar explained: “The players subsequently passed their tests, so we could have played them!

“But the situation is what it is; we can’t take any risks and we’re not allowed to take any risks.

“We have got to be adaptable and ready to move on the run and do what’s best for the game and keep us on the field.

“We didn’t panic or stress too much about it, we just felt it would give some guys an opportunity they would not have got otherwise.”

Young back-row Alex Sutcliffe was one of those although he has accepted a two-match penalty notice for grade C dangerous contact in the win over Huddersfield.

Likewise, hooker Brad Dwyer accepted a one-match ban for a grade B shoulder charge and Agar said they would not appeal as it was a “futile mission”.

There are no new injuries but Bodene Thompson is Cup-tied having played for Toronto Wolfpack earlier in the competition.

However, those stood down due to the Covid scare, including Matt Prior, Alex Mellor, Rhyse Martin and Tom Holroyd, all come back into contention.

Agar added: “It was very frustrating for the guys who had to drop out. But we are working in a different time at the moment and it’s whatever it takes and what we’ve got to do we will do it to keep the game on the field.”

Former Sheffield Eagles prop Eddie Battye - on loan from London Broncos - is set for his Wakefield Trinity debut against Huddersfield Giants tomorrow.

Kyle Wood, James Batchelor, Adam Tangata and Jack Croft are all back for Trinity as both sides bid to end their losing run.

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