17 Apr 2023

Under-16s set for derby clash this Wednesday

Wednesday night sees Leeds Rhinos Under-16s look to continue their winning run in 2023 against derby rivals Bradford Bulls Under-16s at Odsal, kick off 7pm.

The young Rhinos have made an excellent start to the new season with back to back wins over Hull KR and London Broncos, plus they haven't conceded a point either at home or on the road. Last time out in particular, Butterill named a side that consisted of players in their first year with the club and they shone in the 92-0 result against the Broncos at Headingley. Dylan Hutchinson and Hughie Tinkler were top performers with two tries each, plus seven players also scored on their first appearance in blue and amber.

That result added to a convincing display against Hull KR at the end of March but, after this week's game, the Under-16s will have to wait a fortnight before taking to the road again to take on St Helens.

Bradford have also started their season strongly with two wins from two. Like Leeds, they also ran out to a 74-0 win over London Broncos with home advantage a month ago, but against Newcastle Thunder they were pushed all the way to take the result again (Joel Rice scoring twice in the win). Following this week's fixture, the Bulls go on to play Hull FC, Warrington and Castleford in their next three games.

When this fixture was played last year at Headingley, a confident performance saw the Rhinos win 60-0 thanks to two tries from Callum Webster.

Team News

Mark Butterill has named a more experienced squad for this week's fixture against the Bulls by bringing back eleven players from the round one win over Hull KR. Joe Diskin, who scored two tries against the Robins, is among the returning faces along with Elliott Fox and Jacob Stead, who were notable try scorers in this fixture last year. Forward Presley Cassell, Zak Lloyd, Jacob Hardy and back Dylan Hutchinson are the only players to have featured in every game this year - Cassell and Lloyd both scoring three tries each.

A major inclusion for the match is forward Joe Butterfield, who missed the end of last season through injury. The Lock Lane prop is named among the substitutes, along with Daniel Stelfox who makes his debut for the Scholarship. Dacx and Lore Jones-Buchanan both feature together for the second time this season, with Lore coming back into the fold for the Bulls trip.

The team in full is:

1. Joe Diskin sponsored by Grove Building Solutions

2. Jack Wilson - Available to Sponsor

3. Marcus Qareqare - Available to Sponsor

4. Harley Thomas sponsored by Likewise Floors

5. Luca Teal - Available to Sponsor

6. George Brown sponsored by MJB Roofing

7. Harry Smith - Available to Sponsor

8. William Wilkinson sponsored by KSW Engineering (Yorkshire)

9. Elliott Fox sponsored by Electrogen Solutions

10. Lore Jones Buchanan - Available to Sponsor

11. Jacob Stead sponsored by Embroidery in House