Of course they can refuse to play. What are Leeds going to do, sack them?

So anyone who is leaving a job can just refuse to go. I'll remember that.

It also completely misunderstands the attitude of players. A big, televised event against one of the best teams in the world. They will want to play.

I wasn't talking about whether the players want to play, just that with those leaving Leeds have no leverage if they didn't want to. If they want to play fine, but don't compare someone leaving a normal job to someone playing a post-season friendly where an injury could jeopardise future earnings. Not the same thing at all.

I would also expect the clubs that have signed them to be interested. Maybe they are Ok with them playing, but if not, who would you listen to - your new employer or the club you are notionally in the last weeks of working for?

Is it on TV?

It's scheduled to be yes although I don't think it's been announced yet.

save my money and do Australia v Fiji then

Where's this being played?

Edit - sorry, I've got mixed up!

Is there a friendly the same day as the Rhinos v NZ game somewhere in Yorkshire? Fiji vs someone perhaps?

no it's the world cup.game at headingley a few weeks later. might do both still

England vs Fiji, 7th October at Salford

Thanks chaps

It was France v Tonga I was on about

Think I'll head over

Edwards isn’t in the Jamaica squad so I guess he can play for Leeds against NZ.

I can see New Zealand racking up 100 against Jamaica looking at their 24 man squad

Greg Johnson (Batley Bulldogs), AJ Wallace (Bradford Bulls), Aaron Jones-Bishop (Cornwall RLFC), Ross Peltier, Keenen Tomlinson (Dewsbury Rams), Chevaughn Bailey, Khamisi Mckain, Andrew Simpson, Marvin Thompson, Renaldo Wade (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), James Woodburn-Hall (Halifax Panthers) Ashton Golding, Michael Lawrence, Kieran Rush (Huddersfield Giants), Bradley Ho, Mo Agoro, (Keighley Cougars), Abevia McDonald (London Skolars) Joel Farrell, Ben Jones-Bishop (Sheffield Eagles), Joe Brown, Alex Young (Workington Town), Jacob Ogden (York City Knights), Jordan Andrade, Jy-Mel Coleman (Unattached).

I think Edwards is injured.

It should be extremely enjoyable for this squad to face up to some of the world’s best players. Will be a sharp learning curve but will give them some valuable experience. Plus ,put them on view for any super league scouts.

Yes he missed the play off game against Leigh.

Adam Cuthbertson will be playing for Leeds in this game. He will retire after the game. A fitting send of for a great player.

Absolutely, I just think it’ll be a cricket score when they play New Zealand. It would be great if a Jamaican domestic league player got a pro or semi pro deal out the tournament.

That NZ side has the capability of really challenging the Aussies.

Anyone but Australia to win...basically

From that squad, so much for not playing leaving players
I think Rhyse Martin may drop out but that would be understandable

Surprised If Bentley, Martin and myler play so close to the WC

Surprised if we don’t draft in more former Rhinos what are retiring. None know of any more?

It was always an absurd suggestion that players under contract would for some reason refuse to play against one of the best teams in the world in a farewell appearance.

Mitch Garbutt?

Only if James Tamou guests for NZ…

I got it wrong about the strength of team by looks of that squad.
Will Cuthbo bring Ferres along to twist the knife into NZ ?