Ban rules Brough out of the clash with Tigers

on the sidelines, Brierley has been called back into the attack, with the hope of raising his game and proving to head coach Stone that he deserves to keep hold of a starting shirt.

“Like any player, Ryan will have been disappointed not to have played in the last couple of games,” said Stone, who is expected to keep faith with teenage full-back Darnell after struggling in Friday’s home defeat to the Rhinos.

“But I think Lee Gaskell has justified his place in the halves in those games and he’s been good for us. It’s now up to Ryan to go out there and show us what he can do now he’s got the chance.”

Brough has paid the price for throwing punches at Ablett during the game, although Stone admits it was in the face of some provocation.

“That was part of our defence at the disciplinary. Danny was definitely provoked,” added the Australian, whose playmaker was sent to the sin-bin along with Ablett over the incident.

“So the fact the other guy wasn’t charged was disappointing.

“But, at the same time, this isn’t the first time Danny’s reacted to being provoked. In this regard, it’s important he starts to manage his emotions a lot better.

“He’s such an important player to our team, and losing him when we did against Leeds did hurt us.

“Leeds offered us one or two chances while he was in the bin and we failed to take them. We looked a bit lost without Danny at that point, and that clearly cost us.”

“Every minute matters” was the slogan produced by the Rugby Football League to mark the new competition format and it has particular resonance for Kallum Watkins as he prepares to make his 200th appearance for Leeds.

Friday’s Betfred Super League clash with Wigan at Headingley