Under-18s take on derby rivals Bradford tonight

Leeds Rhinos Under-18s are back on the road this evening as Chev Walker’s side travel to face local derby rivals Bradford Bulls at Odsal Stadium, kick off 7:30pm.

The Rhinos moved to the top of the Under-18s Academy Championship last Friday night as they took on Castleford Tigers in a tight affair; Kyden Frater scoring the decisive try in a 22-18 result. St Helens’ one point defeat to Warrington also saw Leeds become the only Under-18s team to hold onto their unbeaten record.

Tonight’s game sees them come up against a Bradford side that sits midtable with two wins and a draw from six games. Opening the new season with a dominant win over Hull KR, the Bulls had to wait until the start of May to get back to winning ways, following losses to St Helens, Castleford and Wigan Warriors and a draw against Huddersfield. A hat trick from full back George Flanagan Jr aided the Bulls to a 30-28 result over Wakefield Trinity a fortnight ago and a win tonight would see them move to within a point of Warrington.

Last season’s meeting between the two Academies saw Leeds run out comfortable 54-20 winners. Winger Ben Sheils lead the scoring with a hat trick while half back Jack Mallinson scored a personal total of 26 points. Watch the highlights below.

Team News

Due to injuries, head coach Walker has brought in a handful of players to bolster his squad for this evening.

Shane Tuohey and Elliot Whitaker have been brought in from local side Stanningley and will come off the bench, along with Ashton Robinson and Tom Stevens, who were both involved in the win over Castleford.

Riley Lumb, who suffered a concussion against the Tigers, is ruled out, forcing Kyden Frater to move into the full back role. Frater was one of six players to sign their first professional deals with the club earlier in the week, along with Harrison Gilmore, Neil Tchamambe, Dylan Proud, Blake Morgan, Billy Davies and Ben Littlewood, and all of them are involved today.

Jack Sinfield comes back in at half back to partner Kai Morgan for the fourth time in 2022, plus Toby Warren is back in the side following his spell on the sidelines.

The team in full is:

1. Kyden Frater sponsored by Atlas Crew Ltd
2. Neil Tchamambe - Available to Sponsor
3. Jack Smith sponsored by GallifordTry Construction
4. Jack Johnson sponsored by MACRON Store Wakefield
5. Dylan Proud sponsored by Stott Building Contractors
6. Jack Sinfield sponsored by Sporting Image
7. Kai Morgan - Available to Sponsor
8. Harrison Gilmore sponsored by Morley Ventilation
9. Blake Morgan - Available to Sponsor
10. Jake Higgins - Available to Sponsor
11. Billy Davies - Available to Sponsor
12. Toby Warren
13. Ben Littlewood - Available to Sponsor
14. Shane Tuohey
15. Ashton Robinson - Available to Sponsor
16. Tom Stevens – Available to Sponsor
17. Elliot Whitaker

Ticket Information

Entry to Odsal for tonight’s game is £5 for adults and juniors are free.