Leeds Rhinos Under-16s Scholarship hope to extend their winning run in 2024 on Wednesday night as the young Rhinos take on Wakefield Trinity at AMT Headingley, kick off 7pm.

Mark Butterill's side have had a bright start to their opening two games this season, starting with a comeback win against Hull FC in March before they posted eight tries on Castleford Tigers in a 44-20 result a fortnight ago. Like every Scholarship season, head coach Butterill has given opportunities for almost every player to feature in matches so far, including 15 of 19 first-year players. This week is another opportunity for the young Rhinos to continue their development, particularly Harry Thompson, Connor Lawrie, Will Mathers, Liam Watson and Jack Smith who are set to make their first appearances in Rhinos colours.

Take a look at the highlights from the Tigers win:

Wednesday's opponents Wakefield Trinity have had the opposite start to their season as they are in search of their first win. Matt Nicholson's side lost out to Castleford in the opening game of the season and were on the wrong side of a close 30-28 outing against Wigan on home soil at the start of the month, but they head into Wednesday's fixture knowing they were the only side to beat the Rhinos last season in a 26-24 result.

Team News

Twelve changes to the Rhinos squad sees Butterill rotate his lineup to give more players the chance to get minutes under their belt and showcase what they can do to the coaching staff. 

After naming a younger side against the Tigers, second-year players Luke Fagan, Kai Irvine, Mason Peach, Caleb Rhodes, James Rowney, Hughie Tinkler and Wade White return after playing in the opening game against Hull FC. White, Peach and Irvine partner up in the spine, along with hooker Harvey Butterworth who has a try in each hame so far. Jacob Hardy captains the side as he looks to extend his points tally for the season.

Winger Liam Watson gets his first opportunity on the edge as he starts his first game for the Rhinos alongside Cobi Ellis. He is one of five players making their first appearance for the Scholarship along with Connor Lawrie, Will Mathers, Jack Smith and Harry Thompson who are all named on the bench.

The team in full is:

1. Mason Peach sponsored by Morley Ventilation

2. Luke Fagan sponsored by Tudor International Freight

3. Tom Richardson sponsored by Hebask

4. Cobi Ellis sponsored by Beau Occasion

5. Liam Watson sponsored by abzorb

6. Wade White

7. Kai Irvine

8. Daniel Stelfox

9. Harvey Butterworth sponsored by Travis Perkins

10. James Rowney sponsored by Aspect Building Solutions

11. Zak Lloyd

12. Hughie Tinkler sponsored by DD Porter Construction

13. Jacob Hardy (C) sponsored by Bennetts Butchers

14. Will Hunter

15. Caleb Rhodes

16. Dacx Jones-Buchanan

17. Connor Lawrie

18. Will Mathers sponsored by Barhale

19. Jack Smith

20. Harry Thompson sponsored by Roscoe

To sponsor a Reserves, Academy, Women's Academy or Scholarship player, email sales@therhinos.co.uk.

More Information

See below for further fan information:

• Gate E (St Michaels Lane) open – 6pm
• Entry fee – Cash donations for Leeds Rhinos Foundation on arrival.
• Viewing area – Unreserved seating in the South Stand seats or standing on the South Stand Terrace (along the side, undercover)
• Accessible area - South Stand accessible areas in front of the South Stand Terrace
• Toilets – AMT East Stand Ground Floor Toilets

• Parking - Free Parking is available in Car Park F (St Michaels Lane – LS6 3BR) on a first come, first served basis.

• Food and Drink – There will be a concession unit in South Stand Car Park selling food and drinks.
• Dogs – Dogs are not allowed at the venue with exception of Guide Dogs.