23 Aug 2022
Young Rhinos set to feature in Headingley curtain raiser
Fans get two games for the price of one this Wednesday as Leeds Rhinos Under-18s take part in a special double header against Warrington Wolves, kick off 5:45pm.
The match is set to be an exciting clash as both Leeds and Warrington have booked their places in the Play Offs, which start next month. Warrington currently occupy top spot in the Academy Championship on points difference alone, while Leeds, who are level with the Wolves on 20 points, sit in third place.
The Rhinos are geared up and ready for action, having had their last two matches against London Broncos and Newcastle Thunder cancelled. Although they have been given the league points on both occasions, game time will be key as the players head into the upcoming play offs.
Overall, it’s been a positive season for the Under-18s, who have ten wins from twelve games and only two defeats. Their opening six games saw Walker’s side defeat Newcastle, Hull KR, Wigan Warriors, Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers and today’s opponents Warrington, with the wins over Hull KR and Wigan taking place at Headingley. Bradford and St Helens are the only teams that have disrupted the Rhinos’ rhythm, with St Helens being the only other team vying for the top spot in the league table.
Warrington had an uneven start to their season after suffering back to back defeats against the Rhinos and Hull FC, but since then, the young Wolves have been thriving. London Broncos and Newcastle both conceded 72 points against the Wire in April, before Richard Marshall’s side secured a close one point win over St Helens in a thrilling matchup.
Their clash with Wigan was also close – the Wolves walking away from Robin Park with a 23-20 result – but Huddersfield, Castleford and Bradford were all convincingly beaten shortly after. Last time out, tries from Josh Lynch, Bobby Shingler, Noah Booth and two from Leon Hayes helped extend the primrose and blue’s winning streak to nine in a 28-10 win over Hull FC.
Team News
Chev Walker has named a strong 19-man squad for tomorrow’s clash with the Wolves at Headingley.
The team is largely unchanged from the side that defeated Hull FC in their most recent game. Top try scorer Neil Tchamambe is in the provisional squad, along with centre Jack Smith, who has also been a dangerous threat for the Rhinos in 2022.
Hooker Bailey Aldridge is aiming to put recent injury woes behind him after he made a try scoring return to action against the black and whites, while Harrison Gilmore, Jake Higgins and Jack Johnson could continue to be the Under-18s’ leading appearance makers, having played in all ten games so far this season.
Duo Will Shaw and Freddie Brennan-Jones, who made their first appearances in Leeds colours for the Reserves last weekend, are included in the squad and could make their Under-18s bows. Zach McSwiney was a try scorer in the defeat to Hull FC Reserves on Saturday after returning from a concussion, but is available to play his first Under-18s game since the 36-22 win over Wakefield at Stanningley in June.
Billy Davies is the only player to drop out of the squad ahead of the Wolves’ visit, while Dylan Proud could play his first game minutes since playing hooker in the loss to Saints. Will Gatus will also be out for more tries, having scored two against the Wolves back in March.
The team in full is
Freddie Brennan-Jones
Alfie Edgell sponsored by The Leeds Welding Company
Kyden Frater sponsored by Atlas Crew
Will Gatus sponsored by Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Harrison Gilmore sponsored by Morley Ventilation
Jack Johnson sponsored by MACRONSTORE Wakefield
Riley Lumb sponsored by Euro Auctions
Dylan Proud sponsored by Stott Building Contractors
Will Shaw
Jack Smith sponsored by GallifordTry Construction
Be at our Family Day
The Rhinos had a bumper crowd last Sunday for their Family Day game against Salford and now there is even more fun for all the family planned for the game against the Giants.
Fans who have already bought tickets for the match get access to the Under-18s curtain raiser included in their ticket too!
All juniors are just £5 in any area of the ground when purchased before midnight the day before the game. Leeds Rhinos 2022 Season, Flexi and Supporter Members can purchase 2 tickets at only £5 a ticket. This applies in any standing or seating area when purchased before midnight the day before the game. To book now go to tickets.therhinos.co.uk.
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