The 1997 British Lion tourist to South Africa, 34, had a hip and two shoulder operations in the last 12 months.

BBC: Injury-ravaged Williams retires

Jake Abbott captains the side, with the likes of Joe Carlisle, Graham Kitchener and British Lion Darren Morris in the starting line-up.

BBC: Powell sidelined by knee injury

Last season Nilsen fought his way up from the bottom of the Leeds' pecking order to second-choice hooker behind British Lion Andy Titterell.

BBC: Phil Nilsen determined to take Leeds Carnegie chance