Walker reveals 20-player squad for Warrington semi-final

Leeds Rhinos Under-18s head coach Chev Walker has named his 20-man squad for tomorrow’s semi-final clash against Warrington Wolves at Headingley Stadium, kick off 12pm.

Saturday’s game will be going ahead after the RFL confirmed earlier today that fixtures at all levels will continue, with teams encouraged to observe a period of silence and wear black armbands to pay respect to Queen Elizabeth II. The winner will go on to face either St Helens or Hull FC who meet at the Totally Wicked Stadium in the other semi final.

Walker has named a strong squad for the game, which comes a fortnight after the young Rhinos secured a 24-22 result over the Wolves at the end of the regular season. All but one member of the team from that day has been included, with Blake Morgan being the only player to drop out.

Back rower Jack Johnson and Dylan Proud returned from illness for the Reserves last Saturday and make their first Under-18s appearances since away clashes against Hull FC and St Helens. Stanningley duo Elliot Whitaker and Shane Tuohey, who also appeared for the Reserves, are back in contention, Whitaker for the first time since the Under-18s’ win over Wakefield at Stanningley.

Forwards Harrison Gilmore and Jake Higgins and winger Neil Tchamambe can continue their streak of appearing in every Academy game this season should they run out tomorrow. Tchamambe in particular is the Academy’s joint-top tryscorer this season with Will Gatus, who touched down twice against the Wolves at the end of August. Kai Morgan and Jack Sinfield can also rekindle their partnership; Sinfield in particular scoring a personal tally of twelve points in Leeds’ last meeting with Richard Marshall’s young Wolves.

Former Castleford players Will Shaw and Freddie Brennan-Jones have impressed since their arrival at the club and make the cut, along with Ashton Robinson who has been a consistent performer for the Under-18s since joining midseason.

The team in full is:

Bailey Aldridge

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

Jake Higgins

Jack Johnson sponsored by MACRONSTORE Wakefield

Ben Littlewood

Riley Lumb sponsored by Euro Auction

Zach McSwiney

Kai Morgan

Dylan Proud sponsored by Stott Building Contractors

Ashton Robinson

Will Shaw

Jack Sinfield sponsored by Sporting Image

Jack Smith sponsored by GallifordTry Construction

Neil Tchamambe

Shane Tuohey

Elliot Whitaker

Fan Information

For fans attending the game on Saturday, please read the below information before arriving at the Stadium:

Areas Open: Standing in the Tetley's South Stand Terrace or unreserved seating in Tetley's South Stand Seating (excluding Press Area). Both areas are undercover. Wheelchair positions will be available at front of the Tetley's South Stand Terrace.

Car Parking: First come, first served parking including disabled blue badge parking, will be available on match day in Car Park F on St Michaels Lane (LS6 3BR).

Food and Drink: There will be a bar open on the South Stand concourse and a food concession available in the South Stand Car Park for you to purchase food and drink. Our stadium is cashless - we accept credit/debit cards and smartphone pay only.

Retail: Leeds Rhinos Club Shop will be open from 10am selling Leeds Rhinos and England RL Merchandise.

Facilities: Toilets and Accessible Toilet (with changing place) are available in South Stand Concourse.

Bag searching: We reserve the right to search bags on match days when fans enter the stadium and upon attending this event you are agreeing to Leeds Rhinos and Headingley Stadium Ground Regulations.

For fans that can’t make it to Headingley on Saturday, you can stream the game live onto your TV, phone or tablet through the Rhinos’ Facebook, Twitter or YouTube channels.