Leeds Rhinos v Widnes Vikings: Burrow is backing the young Rhinos to stand tall

Head coach Brian McDermott will have to do another roll call ahead of tonight’s rearranged Super League game against Widnes Vikings to see just which of his embattled players can be patched up and sent out once more.

Fifth-placed Leeds have 10 first-teamers injured, the latest being captain and stand-off Kevin Sinfield – he suffered a dislocated thumb in England’s win over the Exiles on Friday – and the Exiles’ Kylie Leuluai.

Included in the squad are England players Zak Hardaker, Ryan Hall and Jamie Jones-Buchanan plus Exiles player Joel Moon, all of whom are readying themselves for a testing second game in just 72 hours.

However, experienced hooker Burrow said: “A lot of teams have injuries this year and, obviously, we’re having a bad stint now.

“But we’ve got loads of young lads in the wings waiting to pounce and it’s their opportunity to show what they can do.

“I got my chance through an injury to a senior player – it was Ryan Sheridan who was injured when I debuted (in 2001) – and hopefully they’ll stand up.

“They are certainly a talented bunch. If they’re called upon I’m sure they’ll do a great job.”

McDermott has drafted in England Academy captain Jordan Baldwinson for the first time, with the 18-year-old second-row a possible replacement for injured Australian Brett Delaney, while fellow teenagers Liam Sutcliffe and Thomas Minns are also included again after making their debuts in recent weeks.

The one positive for the champions – if not the player himself – is that Burrow will definitely be fresh to lend all his expertise and threat after being 18th man for England on Friday.

“I was disappointed not to play but it’s England, isn’t it, so someone is always going to miss out,” said the six-time Grand Final winner who, ironically, was omitted as McNamara surprisingly opted to use Sinfield as a back-up hooker against their Anzac opponents.

“I was really happy to be in the (19-man) squad and the camp was good all week beforehand.

“We had great facilities, were well looked after and had some quality, clinical training which I think showed in the first half against the Exiles when we led 24-0. The second half got a bit scrappy but that can happen.”

Eleventh-placed Widnes, meanwhile, did not have anyone on international duty, meaning they should be more than ready for a game which was originally postponed in February due to Leeds’ involvement in the World Club Challenge.

Although Denis Betts’s side have not won any of their last four Super League games, in their previous two they have drawn with Catalan Dragons and then lost by just a point to leaders Wigan.

Widnes are also bolstered by the return of England second-row Gareth Hock after a four-game ban, although they have lost ex-Wakefield centre Chris Dean, who injured his shoulder against Wigan.

“They’ll play well against us as they always do,” insisted Burrow.

“They were unlucky against Wigan and had plenty of time to get their training done to face us. It should be a real tough one and it is very important for us.

“We’ve had these injuries and lost a bit of form but we got back to winning ways against Castleford last time out and now we need to build some more momentum.

“This home game against Widnes is one of two we’ve got to make up on the rest.

“But with these games in hand we can’t just keep relying on them thinking we’ve got them to fall back on. We actually have to go win them, starting with Monday’s game.”

Burrow is delighted to see Ben Jones-Bishop make his return after missing six months of action with a blood clot.

“It’s been terrible what happened to him but for Bish to be finally playing again is fantastic,” said Burrow.

“He’ll be chomping at the bit as all any rugby player wants to do is actually play.

“It’ll take him a while to get his fitness right back up but he’ll be really for Widnes.”