‘Reserves’ ready to capitalise on ban for McGuire

WAKEFIELD Trinity Wildcats’ Richard Mathers has been unable to stop himself ridiculing best mate Danny McGuire during the last few days.

The Leeds Rhinos scrum-half misses tonight’s West Yorkshire derby after being banned for making dangerous contact on Brett Kearney during the champions’ latest win against Bradford Bulls.

Never a malicious player and one of the sport’s genuine good guys, it has prompted plenty of amusement from his former Headingley colleague, who also acted as best man at his wedding.

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“Danny has had a lot of stick about that,” Mathers told the Yorkshire Post.

“We played golf during the week with Lee (Smith) and Danny Kirmond.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone backtrack with so many excuses quite so quickly when it was mentioned.

“There was plenty of ribbing but Brian McDermott will be pleased to know he didn’t give anything up about this match.

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“Danny’s been consistently Leeds’ most dangerous player this season and has been a big part of their revival.

“They’ll miss him but we’re missing Ali (Lauitiiti), too, so it levels things up.

“And Leeds have got Rob (Burrow) who can step in, or maybe Brent Webb, world-class players.”

Trinity’s Lauitiiti is another who sits out this evening after incurring a suspension last week, a significant blow for the hosts, who have seen the gifted second-row enjoy an Indian summer since joining from Leeds last year.

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Ex-England centre Smith, who won three Grand Finals with Rhinos, has also made an instant impact after moving earlier this month, scoring his first Wakefield try in their win at Huddersfield last Sunday.

The 25-year-old faces his old colleagues for the first time since tonight while, with prop Kyle Amor another erstwhile Rhino, full-back Mathers admits: “A few lads have been joking saying it’s becoming Leeds’ reserve side here.

“Obviously, I played a lot of rugby with both Ali and Lee at Leeds and it’s good to have that sort of familiar player around.

“It’s always been the case of give Ali the ball and he’ll make something happen.

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“He’s been in great form, playing some really big minutes and had a massive impact.

“Lee’s added more quality to the group and our left edge is pretty potent with him, Ali and Ben Cockayne. Kyle’s been in really good form in recent weeks, too.”

Mathers, 28, was also among the try-scorers as Trinity earned a first win in five games at Huddersfield and they will look to build on that this evening.

Leeds are seeking a seventh successive victory, however, a run which includes a bizarre 44-40 triumph over Wakefield at Headingley.

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Mathers, who won the 2004 title with home-town Leeds before moving to Gold Coast Titans, admitted: “That was a strange game. They had plenty of players on international duty a couple of days before but, still, not many sides go to Headingley, score 40 points and still lose.

“Defences weren’t right for either side but both also scored some fantastic tries.

“I’m not expecting it to be anywhere near that on Monday; Leeds will be fresh, so will we, and it’ll be more conventional.”

Frankie Mariano comes in for Lauitiiti while Rhinos coach McDermott admits the absence of England international McGuire could be felt more keenly than some suggest.

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“There is a danger, and I’ve been guilty of this at times this year publically, that we take what Danny does for granted,” he said.

“However, he has been outstanding this season. Early in his career, his game plan was about spotting the chances and being the man on the end of the move but the game does not allow you to do that now and he’s adapted and thrived with a new role within the team.

“Brent Webb is back in contention. He could have played last week but there wasn’t an opportunity for him.

“However, he is too good a player not to be involved on an ongoing basis and will certainly play a part in our team going forward this season in some capacity.”

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McDermott must decide whether to return the Kiwi at the expense of Zak Hardaker, the young centre who has impressed while filling in at full-back.

Webb, of course, could slot in at half-back where Leeds also have the option of Burrow and teenager Stevie Ward.

While Wakefield are out of the play-off reckoning, Leeds have risen from ninth to fifth on the back of their current run and reached next month’s Challenge Cup final.

McDermott added: “We are knocking on the door of the top three and four now so we need to keep on performing well. But, at this time of year, everyone is scrapping for their own personal mission and we need to be ready to produce our best every week.”

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Brett Delaney has recovered from a dislocated thumb suffered in the win over Bradford – “it was like pulling a glove off a hand; it came right out of the skin” was McDermott’s graphic description – but he is unlikely to be risked this evening.