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Wakefield v Leeds Match Preview

The Wakefield Wildcats will be hoping to halt the in-form Leeds Rhinos when the two sides meet at Rapid Solicitors Stadium,

Reigning champions Leeds have won five straight in league action, as well as securing their place in the Challenge Cup final after upsetting Wigan in a pulsating semi-final at Huddersfield.

The Rhinos are fifth in the standings, two points behind St Helens, while Wakefield are fifth points adrift of the top eight despite upsetting the Giants last weekend.

When the teams met at Headingley in June 84 points were scored with Leeds running out 44-40 winners, the victory that started their five-game win streak.

Wakefield's 35-14 success over Huddersfield last weekend ended their four-game slide since a 32-30 triumph over Hull FC on June 10th.

Former Leeds favourite Ali Lauitiiti is missing for the Wildcats after being handed a one-match ban.

However, ex-Rhino Lee Smith is set to make his first-ever appearance against the club having spent his entire rugby league career at Headingley prior to joining Wakefield on loan.

Coach Richard Agar is considering recalling stand-off Isaac John but he is still without Vince Mellars, Steve Southern and Paul Aiton through injury.

"Paul's been in this week and he's feeling a lot better despite losing a bit of weight," said Agar. "Vince Mellars has had his eye injury and Steve Southern is making slow progress from his ankle injury."

Leeds are set to switch Rob Burrow to scrum-half for his 350th appearance in place of the suspended Danny McGuire, with Shaun Lunt starting at hooker.

Second rower Brett Delaney is set to play despite badly dislocating a thumb in last week's win over Hull and coach Brian McDermott is considering whether to bring back a fit-again Brent Webb at full-back.

"It is remarkable but Brett insists he is ready to play," commented coach Brian McDermott.

McDermott is also facing a tricky selection poser now that New Zealand full-back Brent Webb has fully recovered from a knee injury.

Youngster Zak Hardaker has deputised superbly in Webb's absence after being switched from centre and McDermott has to decide whether to revert to his old formation.

"Brent is back in contention this week," he said. "He could have played last week but there wasn't an opportunity for him."

Wakefield: Mathers, Fox, Collis, Cockayne, Wood, Wilkes, Ellis, Raleigh, John, Washbrook, Amor, Johnson, Kirmond, Mariano, T. Smith, Trout, James, Sykes, L. Smith.

Leeds: Webb, Jones-Bishop, Watkins, Hardaker, Hall, Burrow, Leuluai, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Sinfield, Delaney, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson, Hauraki, Griffin, Moore, Ward, Lunt.
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