Under-18s go for Grand Final glory this Sunday

In a weekend full of Grand Final action, Leeds Rhinos Under-18s are aiming to lift the Under-18s Academy Grand Final trophy on Sunday afternoon as they clash with St Helens Under-18s at the Totally Wicked Stadium, kick-off 2:30 pm.

Following the Grand Final success of the Leeds Rhinos PDRL and Women’s sides in recent weeks, the young Rhinos take on Saints after both the first teams meet at Old Trafford in the Betfred Super League Grand Final the day before. Both clubs endured brutal semi-final clashes a fortnight ago, with Leeds overcoming a spirited Warrington side 23-12 before Saints walked out to 34-14 victors over Hull FC to secure a home semi-final.

2022 Form Book

This season Saints and Leeds have been level throughout the campaign, finishing with eleven wins and two losses. The only number separating the clubs was points difference, as Saints scored 503 points, compared to the Rhinos’ 444 points scored.

The Red Vee began the season with a run of five consecutive wins but suffered a one-point defeat at the hands of Warrington in round six. Leeds, meanwhile, extended their winning streak to six with a win over Castleford in the dying minutes, thanks to Kyden Frater. The week after, they also tasted defeat for the first time in the derby clash with Bradford Bulls.

Finally, the two sides met in week nine, and the Saints edged the young Rhinos on home soil, Keane Gilford scoring a hat trick in the 42-24 result. From there on in, both sides won all of their remaining matches to set up a tight finish, but the Saints again went ahead of Leeds again to seal a first place at the top of the Academy table.

Recent Academy Grand Final History

It’s been four years since a Leeds side reached the Academy Grand Final. Rob Burrow’s 2018 team, which included current first-team stars Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzki, Corey Johnson, Tom Holroyd and Muizz Mustapha, was the last Leeds team to reach the Academy Final but were beaten 14-6 at the hands of Wigan.

St Helens featured in the last Academy Grand Final in 2019 due to the COVID pandemic halting the competition for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. After a Jack Welsby-inspired performance helped the Saints beat Leeds in the semi-finals, Derek Traynor’s side was also defeated by Wigan 22-10 as the Warriors retained their crown.

Ticket Information

For fans wanting to attend the game, entry on the day is £5 for Adults, £3 for Juniors (16 and under) and Concessions (Under 5s free, 65+). Entry is via the South East Turnstiles.