With the annual Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge under a week away, take a look at our opponents Wakefield Trinity, a recap of last year's Boxing Day clash and a brief history of Leeds and Wakefield's Festive head to head.

Opposition

Under new owners and management, Wakefield Trinity begin their preparation for life in the Betfred Championship with the first of two scheduled friendlies on Boxing Day against the Rhinos. 

Quickly putting last year's Super League campaign behind them, Trinity are aiming for a big year and set their stall out early with the capture of the experienced Daryl Powell as their head coach. Known for his success at neighbours Castleford, Powell was the first of a number of changes behind the scenes, and moves have been made to improve the on-field performances too. 13 names have been moved on and so far eight players have been brought in, including serial try scorer Jermaine McGillvary from Huddersfield, experienced Iain Thornley and young prospects Tom Doyle (Keighley) and Myles Lawford (Bradford). 

One of the major movers too was Lachlan Walmsley, another player renowned for his try scoring feats at Halifax. Last season in particular, no player crossed the try line more than him with 38 in 31 games. Overseas talent bolsters the forward pack further as Luke Bain (Parramatta), Caleb Uele (Cronulla Sharks) and Toby Boothroyd (Cronulla Sharks) arrive in place of David Fifita, Jai Whitbread and Kelepi Tanginoa.

Entering the new year, the only friendly planned is Matty Ashurst's testimonial clash with Wigan at Belle Vue before they kick off the Championship season with a home clash against Bradford Bulls.

Trinity's 21-Man Squad for Boxing Day Clash!

Just a few more days until we face Leeds Rhinos at Headingley. Here's the 21 Trinity warriors gearing up for the festive showdown. Who are you excited to see in action?#Trinity21 #BoxingDayBattle #RhinosVsTrinity ???? pic.twitter.com/srVGUb6gCZ
— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) December 23, 2023

Scheduled Pre Season Games

Vs Leeds Rhinos (26th December 2023, AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, KO 11.30am)

Vs Wigan Warriors (26th January 2024, Belle Vue)

Boxing Day Record

Although Leeds' Boxing Day games have a history that dates back to the early 1900s, Wakefield became involved in the tradition for the first time in 2005 when they became the fourth side to play annually at Headingley.

Having lost the first two meetings to the Rhinos, Trinity picked up the next two results before Leeds' won the next four. Included in that was the 2010 match, which was delayed to New Year's Day due to a frozen pitch, but that didn't stop the Rhinos taking away a 40-22 result. 2013 was only the second time the Festive Challenge ended in a draw as neither side could be separated in an 18-18 stalemate, but Leeds rallied a year later thanks to five tries from Ash Handley.

Looking back at the last decade, Wakefield have only managed three wins in 2015, 2016 and 2022. Last year in particular, a high-scoring affair saw a young Rhinos outfit rally to stay in contention, until Trinity ran away with the result with four tries in the last 20 minutes.

The only time the Festive Challenge has been played away from Headingley in recent memory was 2018, when a low-scoring 10-4 score saw Mikolaj Oledzki lead the try scoring at Belle Vue.

Last ten meetings

2022 - Leeds Rhinos 20 Wakefield Trinity 38

2021 - Leeds Rhinos 34 Wakefield Trinity 6

2020 - Called off due to Covid

2019 - Leeds Rhinos 30 Wakefield Trinity 4

2018 - Leeds Rhinos 10 Wakefield Trinity 4

2017- Wakefield Trinity 10 Leeds Rhinos 17

2016 - Leeds Rhinos 6 Wakefield Trinity 30

2015 - Leeds Rhinos 6 Wakefield Trinity 14

2014 - Leeds Rhinos 50 Wakefield Trinity 28

2013 - Leeds Rhinos 18 Wakefield Trinity 18

2012 - Leeds Rhinos 40 Wakefield Trinity 26

2011 - Leeds Rhinos 26 Wakefield Trinity 10

2010* - Leeds Rhinos 40 Wakefield Trinity 22

2009 - Leeds Rhinos 32 Wakefield Trinity 12

2008 - Leeds Rhinos 16 Wakefield Trinity 22

2007 - Leeds Rhinos 18 Wakefield Trinity 26

2006 - Leeds Rhinos 22 Wakefield Trinity 14

2005 - Leeds Rhinos 42 Wakefield Trinity 18

(*Played on New Years Day)

Last time out

Get your tickets now

Tickets for the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge 2023 are available to purchase online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk, over the phone on 0371 423 1315 and from Leeds Rhinos Club Shop.

Junior tickets for this game are just £5 both in advance on and the day, whilst members can pre-purchase their ticket from £17 per person. 

Rhinos member’s discount is £3 off the general match ticket price for adults and concessions and is available to Rhinos 2023 Season Members / Rhinos 2023 Flexi Members / Rhinos 2023 Supporter Members. This discount will also be available for new members who purchase a 2024 Season, Flexi or Supporter Membership before the discount deadline.

Find out more here.