Leeds Rhinos Under-18s Academy look to build on their first win of the season on Thursday night as Tony Smith's side welcome Wakefield Trinity to Stanningley, KO 7pm

The young Rhinos produced a valiant effort when they visited Hull FC a fortnight ago to come away with a 30-22 win, despite going down to eleven players for part of the second half. Having lost their opening three games, getting the first points of the season was a major boost for Smith's youthful outfit, some of whom featured for the Reserves last weekend off the back of the Academy win.

Now a third of the way into the season, Smith has relied on 11 players in particular that have played all four games so far, including the likes of Fergus McCormack, Presley Cassell, Jacob Stead and leading try scorer Jacob Stead. Out of the total squad, only Elliott Fox, Kai Taylor-Smith and Will Smith have been sidelined through injury so far, and the trio will provide extra firepower when back fit and raring to go.

This month sees the Rhinos play Wakefield this week and then St Helens at the end of May before a break in the schedule for Challenge Cup Final weekend means there is a three week break before Leeds return to action against Huddersfield in a run of three home games.

Wakefield Trinity have the same record as the Rhinos with one win and three losses so far in 2024. Jamie Field's side hit the ground running with a 20-12 win over Bradford in their opening game of the year, before falling to a 21-16 loss to Huddersfield at the end of March. High-flying Castleford and Warrington also defeated Trinity as they look to end a three-game losing streak at Leeds this week.

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Entry at Stanningley is £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.