Following the men's clash with Warrington on Thursday night, Leeds Rhinos Under-18s face the same opposition as Tony Smith's side meet Warrington Wolves Under-18s at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday afternoon, kick off 12pm.

The Rhinos returned to winning ways against the Bulls, having suffered their second loss of the season to Hull FC at Headingley in May. A hat trick from Neil Tchamambe led the line for the Rhinos in a comeback win at Odsal, as the winger extended his tally for the season to eight, plus Ned McCormack crowned his Academy debut with a try as he ran out for the first time in blue and amber.

With a game in hand against Wakefield, the Rhinos sit fifth in the table with eight points, two behind Hull FC in fourth spot. Over the course of this month, Smith's side take on Hull KR in a curtain raiser at Headingley before travelling to St Helens in a rematch of last year's Grand Final.

Saturday's game is the first time that the two sides have met since last year's Academy semi final, when the Rhinos claimed their place in the Academy Grand Final with a 23-12 win at Headingley.

Watch the highlights:

Warrington are looking to extend their winning streak in the Academy league to four games. The Wolves' only defeat this year came at the hands of league leaders St Helens, but Danny Evans' side are hot on the Red Vee's heels in second place. Prior to the loss, the Wolves opened their campaign with wins over Hull KR, Castleford Tigers and London, and recently added results against Wakefield, Newcastle and a 74-20 win last time out against Huddersfield to keep themselves in with a chance of a top four finish with four games left. 

This weekend's fixture sees both clubs play their second game under the new RFL law modifications. Following on from the first trial weekend, which kicked off with Leeds win over Bradford at Odsal, research from the RFL and Leeds Beckett University will continue as they quantify head impact and acceleration exposures in the sport with the aim of increasing understanding and reducing future risk. For more information on the law changes, click here.

Team News

Head coach Tony Smith has named a strong preliminary squad ahead of the clash with the Wolves.

Five players come back into the squad after missing out on the win over Bradford. Forwards Declan Ementon and Freddie Brennan-Jones bolster the forward pack, with Brennan-Jones in particular coming into the game off the back of defeat with the Reserves, plus young outside back Kai Taylor-Smith could make his second appearance of the season after recovering from a dead leg in his Academy debut. Jack Smith and Jack Sinfield also played for Smith in the Reserves last time out and are named for this week's Academy game.

Ned McCormack retains his spot after a try scoring debut against the Bulls, whilst Jack Purtill comes into the team in place of Tayler Stephenson. The half back from Leigh Miners Rangers has previously featured against London and Hull FC so far this season and could make his third appearance of the season against the Wolves.

Mason Corbett, Harrison Gilmore, Dylan Proud, Neil Tchamambe and Shane Tuohey could also continue their runs of playing in every game for the Academy this season.

The team in full is:

Freddie Brennan-Jones

Mason Corbett sponsored by UK Tank Services

Declan Ementon sponsored by A9APA

Bobby Hartley sponsored by Fab Gas

Harrison Gilmore sponsored by Morley Ventilation

Ben Littlewood sponsored by GTD Painting and Property Maintenance

Riley Lumb sponsored by Euro Auction

Fergus McCormack

Ned McCormack

Zach McSwiney sponsored by JNR Roofing Services

Lewis Peacock

Joe Phillips

Jack Purtill sponsored by ADW Electrical & EV ltd

Dylan Proud

Jack Sinfield sponsored by ACS Stainless Steel Fixings

Jack Smith

Kai Taylor-Smith sponsored by DJS Electrical Leeds

Neil Tchamambe

Shane Tuohey

If you would like to sponsor an Academy, Scholarship, Women's Academy or Reserves player, email sales.therhinos.co.uk

More information

Entry to Victoria Park for the game is priced are £5 adults and £2 juniors/concessions. Cash turnstiles are situated in the North-East corner of the stadium near the Brian Bevan statue. Seating will be unreserved in the North Stand. Turnstiles open from 11.00am.