24 Jun 2022

Butterill names Reserves squad to face London Broncos

Mark Butterill will take charge of the Rhinos Reserves for their trip to face London Broncos, this Saturday 25th June at Richmond Rugby Union, kick off 2.30pm.

Under-18s players Shane Touhey and Zach McSwinney are set to make their first appearances for the Reserves. Touhey joined the Academy this year, initially of a three month trial, but did enough to impress the Leeds coaches to earn a contract – the young full back and former Stanningley player making an instant impact with a try on his debut against Bradford.

McSwiney was also a new recruit from Stanningley this season and the loose forward, who attends Benton Park School, made his debut for the Under-18s in their win against Wakefield.

Jack Johnson and Blake Morgan, who made their Reserves debuts against Salford are included in the squad. Mackenzie Turner who has not missed a game for the team this year is one of eight Academy players who played against Salford named in the squad

Joe Gibbons, Kai Morgan and Billy Davies return to the team and Joe Hird will captain the Rhinos. Hunslet players David Gibbons, Jacob Beer and Liam Carr have also been brought into the squad. David Gibbons made his first appearance in blue and amber against Salford scored two tries and two goals in the game.

Obe Ene has re-joined the Rhinos on trial. The winger played for the Yorkshire Rugby Union Academy and Roundhegians and he made one appearance for the Under-19s last year against Hull FC, before going to University but has returned to the city and will play during the summer for the club.

Head coach, Chev Walker, hands over duties to Butterill again this week whilst he is coaches the Yorkshire Academy Origin team. The games will also involve a number of Rhinos Academy players who have been selected for the Yorkshire and Lancashire squads.

The squad in full is