Next up for the Rhinos, Rohan Smith's side continue their pre-season preparations by taking on Bradford Bulls in the annual Keith Howard Foundation Trophy clash at Odsal this Sunday afternoon, kick off 3pm.

Opposition

Having risen up the league to compete with the top sides in the Betfred Championship in 2023, Bradford Bulls hope to maintain their ascent in 2024 under new head coach Eamon O'Carroll.

O'Carroll returns to the UK after two successful periods on Steve McNamara's Catalans Dragons staff which saw the club reach the Grand Final in October last year. Prior to that, he masterminded Newcastle Thunders promotion out of League One and first seasons back in the Championship in 2021 and 2022. O'Carroll also had an extensive playing career that spanned eleven years, during which he played for Wigan, Hull FC and Widnes, as well as represented Ireland at the 2008 and 2013 World Cups.

Last season started with Mark Dunning in charge until May, when a run of three defeats saw the former Bulls Academy coach depart for Midlands Hurricans and Lee Greenwood appointed on an interim basis. Sat in eighth place in the league table when Greenwood arrived, the club had a mid-season revival in which they won 11 out of 17 games and finished the campaign in third place (their highest rank in the Championship since 2015). Entering the Play Offs in October, tries from Keven Appo, Tom Holmes and Fenton Rogers helped the Bulls defeat York in the eliminator but Toulouse proved too much in the semi finals.

Preparations for the new campaign are well underway with a host of new signings brought in. Jorge Taufua and Lee Gaskell helped the Bulls' finish strongly last season and are back for 2024 along with new faces John Davies and Dan Smith from Featherstone, Eribe Doro from Halifax, Will Oakes from York and promising hooker Mitch Souter, who has played the last two years in Canberra Raiders' Reserves team. Sam Hallas also returns to the club having played for Hunslet in League One last year.

Ins

Jorge Taufua (Wakefield Trinity), Lee Gaskell (Wakefield Trinity), John Davies (Featherstone Rovers), Dan Smith (Featherstone Rovers), Eribe Doro (Halifax Panthers), Mitch Souter (Canberra Raiders), Sam Hallas (Hunslet), Will Oakes (York RLFC Knights), Dan Okoro (Hull KR)

Outs

David Foggin-Johnston (Keighley Cougars), Declan Patton (Swinton Lions), Bodene Thompson (released), AJ Wallace (Hull KR), Brad Foster, Josh Johnson (Oldham RLFC), Sam Scott (retirement), Max Clarke (Barrow Raiders), Fenton Rogers (Oldham RLFC), James Segeyaro (Western Suburbs Red Devils), Masi Matongo, Myles Lawford (Wakefield Trinity), Rob Butler (London Broncos), Jack Walker (Hull FC), Marcus Green (released), Bradley Ho, Micky Hoyle, Jason Baitieri (Pia Donkeys), Jansin Turgut

Pre Season Record

Both Rhinos and Bulls fans have been used to seeing their sides go head to head in pre-season, whether it be for a player's testimonial or the recent Keith Howard Foundation Trophy.

The last two outings in 2022 and 2023 saw the Rhinos walk away with the trophy on both occasions with 30-12 and 24-10 results and, before that, legends of both clubs came together in support of Rob Burrow and Jamie Jones-Buchanan on a memorable afternoon at AMT Headingley.

Last five pre-season meetings

2023 - Leeds Rhinos 24 Bradford Bulls 10

2022 - Bradford Bulls 12 Leeds Rhinos 30

2020 - Leeds Rhinos 34 Bradford Bulls 10 (Jamie Jones-Buchanan Testimonial and Rob Burrow Fundraiser)

2016 - Leeds Rhinos 26 Bradford Bulls 12 (Carl Ablett's Testimonial)

2015 - Leeds Rhinos 34 Bradford Bulls 14 (Jamie Peacock's Testimonial)

In preparation for the season ahead, the Rhinos made a statement with their strong second half performance against Wakefield on Boxing Day and take on the Bulls before visiting Hunslet in the annual Harry Jepson OBE Memorial Trophy match at the start of next month. Then it is back to AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium for former Bulls player James Donaldson's Testimonial match against Hull KR on Sunday 4th February. 

Bradford got their pre-season up and running early with a 24-16 win over Halifax Panthers on Christmas Eve, Jayden Myers getting the deciding try, before they travelled to Featherstone at the start of the month but suffered a 16-12 defeat. Next up for the Bulls is a clash against Super League opposition Hull FC, one of O'Carroll's former clubs, before the Rhinos cap off preparations for Wakefield Trinity in Round One in March.

Pre Season 2024 Records

Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos 41 Wakefield Trinity 22

Bradford Bulls vs Leeds Rhinos (28th January)

Hunslet RLFC vs Leeds Rhinos (2nd January)

Leeds Rhinos vs Hull KR (James Donaldson's Testimonial, 4th February)

Tickets for games against the Bulls and James Donaldson's Testimonial are available to buy now here.

Bulls

Bradford Bulls 24 Halifax Panthers 16

Featherstone Rovers 16 Bradford Bulls 12

Bradford Bulls 34 Hull FC 32

Bradford Bulls vs Leeds Rhinos (28th January)

Last time out

Get your tickets now

Tickets for the clash with the Bulls are priced at £15 for adults and concessions (18+) and £2 for juniors (17 and under).

There is a standing and a seating option which are both priced the same and can be selected at the time of booking.

Tickets can be purchased in the following ways:

• Online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk
• Over the phone on 0371 423 1315 (click here for opening hours)
• From Leeds Rhinos Club Shop at AMT Headingley Stadium (click here for opening hours)

Please note there will be no official travel for this game.