Jarrod O'Connor set to return as Rhinos host Bulls
Hooker Jarrod O'Connor is set to return for Leeds in the Rhinos Bulls Super League derby this Sunday at AMT Headingley, kick-off 3pm, after missing last week's Castleford defeat while completing concussion return-to-play protocols following delayed effects suffered against Catalans Dragons. Head coach Brad Arthur confirmed the recall ahead of the Betfred Super League clash, which will also be shown on Sky Sports+.
Key Takeaways
- Jarrod O'Connor returns at hooker after sitting out Leeds' loss at Castleford under concussion protocols.
- The Rhinos Bulls derby kicks off at 3pm on Sunday 26 July at AMT Headingley, live on Sky Sports+.
- Danny Levi and Chris Hankinson are among several Rhinos ruled out, while Ben Littlewood will start.
- Leeds beat Bradford 50-16 at Magic Weekend and have won all nine Super League home games this season.
- Bradford coach Kurt Haggerty is without 15 first-team players for the trip to Headingley.
Why does O'Connor's return matter for the Rhinos Bulls derby?
O'Connor's availability restores a key option at nine after he followed return-to-play rules for delayed concussion effects first felt against Catalans Dragons. According to the official Leeds Rhinos squad update, Arthur also confirmed young forward Ben Littlewood will start against the Bulls.
That news lands after a costly slip. Leeds led Castleford 16-0 inside 14 minutes last week before falling 36-34, ending a seven-game winning run and easing their grip on the Super League summit.
Who is missing as Leeds host Bradford?
Beyond O'Connor's return, the Rhinos remain heavily depleted. Danny Levi and Chris Hankinson are ruled out through concussion after the Castleford defeat. They join Ryan Hall (foot), Ash Handley (appendicitis), Keenan Palasia (foot), Max Simpson (knee) and George Brown (knee) on the sidelines.
Even so, Arthur can still name a strong 21-man group built around captain Kallum Watkins, vice-captain Jake Connor, Brodie Croft and Mikolaj Oledzki. For more odd and unexpected sporting twists, see our Bizarre World hub.
Can Bradford Bulls upset league-leading Leeds?
History and form favour the hosts. Racing Post notes Leeds thrashed Bradford 50-16 at Magic Weekend earlier this month and remain unbeaten in nine Super League home fixtures, posting 34 or more points in six of those wins.
Bradford are back in the top flight but struggling for continuity. Haggerty is without 15 first-team players, and the Bulls' away record of nine defeats in 11 in all competitions underlines the scale of the task at Headingley.
Vice-captain Jake Connor, speaking to All Out Rugby League, framed the fixture as a reminder of old West Yorkshire derbies and urged Leeds to "get back to what we've been doing all year" after the Castleford bump. Kick-off is 3pm on Sunday for what both clubs will treat as a must-win afternoon.