23 Apr 2023

London Broncos next up for Rhinos Under-18s

Leeds Rhinos Under-18s look to return to winning this Sunday as Tony Smith's side travels south to take on London Broncos Under-18s at Richmond Athletic Association, kick off 3.20pm.

Coming off the back of defeat to the Giants last time out, the young Rhinos have a point to prove as they look to climb the table. Having played a game less than most of the other Academy sides too, Leeds sit in sixth place in the league, meaning a win this weekend would push them up towards the top four.

London have had a tough start to their 2023 season with three defeats from three games. The Broncos have been handed a tough start to the year with fixtures against Warrington, St Helens and Hull FC, who are all sides that are unbeaten in the league this year. Following this week's clash with the Rhinos, the Broncos travel away to Bradford before returning home for a clash with Huddersfield.

It's been almost two years since the Rhinos last travelled to the capital for a clash with the Broncos. When Leeds made the trip in 2021, a hat trick from Liam Tindall led the scoring in a 54-0 result as Chev Walker's side kickstarted the season in style post-lockdown. The Broncos won the previous two meetings in 2017 and 2019 on home turf though, the latter seeing Kai Pearce-Paul run riot with two tries.

Team News

Under-18s head coach Tony Smith has only been able to name 15 players for the trip to face London.

Smith gives half back Jack Purtill and forward Lewis Peacock their first start for the Under-18s this year. Purtill came through the club's Scholarship ranks last year and impressed under Mark Butterill, while Peacock successfully completed his trial at the club and signed his first deal in March.

Bobby Hartley celebrates his call up to the Yorkshire Academy Origin squad with a place among today's team, while Neil Tchamambe was the only member of today's squad that played for the Reserves in their win at Headingley against Hull FC last week. Two time try scorer against Huddersfield Fergus McCormack also retains his place alongside six players that are in their first year in the Academy (Mason Corbett, Dec Ementon, Hartley, Purtill and Harry Taylor).

The squad in full is:

Leo Aliyu

Mason Corbett sponsored by UK Tank Services

Declan Ementon sponsored by A9APA Ltd

Harrison Gilmore sponsored by Morley Ventilation

Bobby Hartley

Jack Johnson sponsored by MACRONSTORE Wakefield

Fergus McCormack

Lewis Peacock

Joe Phillips

Jack Purtill sponsored by ADW Electrical

Dylan Proud