Leeds Rhinos stand-off Danny McGuire is set to return from injury for the defending Stobart Super League champions’ opening play-off tie.

McGuire has missed the Rhinos’ last four matches, including the Carnegie Challenge Cup final, after damaging a knee in their home win over Widnes Vikings, but he has been named in coach Brian McDermott’s 19-man squad for Saturday’s clash with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Headingley.

Leeds also welcome back hooker Shaun Lunt, who was unable to play against his parent club in Sunday’s defeat at Huddersfield Giants, and prop Ian Kirke is also in line to play despite being knocked out in the early stages of that match.

Kirke stopped breathing for a few moments after coming off worse from a clash of heads with Huddersfield forward Luke O’Donnell but Leeds say he has passed his Cogsport test and is available for selection.

“We are in good shape for this time of year,” McDermott said.

“There are a number of players carrying bumps and bruises but our medical and conditioning staff are doing a great job with them and hopefully we will have everyone available this week.

“Ian Kirke has recovered well from his injury and it has been good to have Danny McGuire back in training this week.

“He is obviously a big player for us because of what he can do on the field but he is a big personality within our group and it has been good to have him with us this week.”

Wakefield welcome back former Leeds favourite Ali Lauitiiti, who pulled out of last Saturday’s final league game at Salford City Reds with a migraine.