Leeds Rhinos Academy Head Coach Tony Smith has named a youthful side to take on Hunslet RLFC in tonight's Harry Jepson OBE Trophy clash at the South Leeds Stadium, KO 7.30pm.

A major inclusion for the Rhinos is prop Kieran Hudson, who makes his first appearance in blue and amber since he joined the club from Castleford at the start of 2024. The Sunderland-born prop has previously played at Newcastle Thunder and Whitehaven before being given his chance in Super League with Tigers but now he gets to follow in the footsteps of his grandad John Holmes with his move to AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium.

Off the back of the Under-18s Academy's 26-22 win against Bradford Bulls Academy last weekend, six players from that team will feature in the cross-city clash with the Parksiders. Harry Taylor scored the winning try and partners with Dylan Proud, who moves into the Reserves for 2024. Kai Taylor-Smith, Tayler Stephenson, Bobby Hartley, Joe Phillips, and Jacob Rushforth also feature for the second time in 2024, whilst Oliver Smart, Harrison Gilmore and Leo Aliyu got minutes off the bench in the Keith Howard Foundation Trophy clash with the Bulls at Odsal last Sunday.

2024 reserve players Shane Tuohey and Ashton Robinson get their first minutes of the year.

Halifax Panthers duo Lewis Hollidge and Sam Webb-Campbell get the opportunity to play minutes with the Rhinos away from their parent club.

The squad in full is:

1. Kai Taylor-Smith sponsored by DJS Electrical

2. Oliver Smart sponsored by Senior Performance Training

3. Jacob Rushforth - Available to Sponsor

4. Harry Taylor sponsored by Omega Legal Services

5. Dylan Proud - Available to Sponsor

6. Shane Tuohey - Available to Sponsor

7. Lewis Hollidge

8. Kieran Hudson - Available to Sponsor

9. Mason Corbett sponsored by UK Tank Services

10. Freddie Brennan-Jones - Available to Sponsor

11. Harrison Gilmore sponsored by Morley Ventilation

12. Bobby Hartley sponsored by Fab Gas

13. Leo Aliyu - Available to Sponsor

14. Sam Webb-Campbell

15. Ashton Robinson sponsored by Arlos Army

16. Joe Phillips - Available to Sponsor

17. Tayler Stephenson sponsored by Renaker

Ticket Information

Tickets for this friendly will only be available to purchase direct from Hunslet RLFC online at https://hunsletrflc.ticketco.events/uk/. 

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £5 Senior Concessions and Students and free for Juniors Under 16s. Fans are encouraged to buy beforehand as a cash turnstile will not be available on matchday