After starring in England Academy's mid-week international defeat to France, Leeds Rhinos Under-18s centre Marcus Qareqare is aiming to come away from this Saturday's clash against Castleford Tigers on the winning side of the result. 

The outside back was one of three Leeds players, along with Presley Cassell and Joe Phillips, that earned a spot in Paul Anderson's final 17-man England squad and speaking after his two-try display, he said how proud he was to wear the shirt and how the experience has helped his development. "I thought we were good as a team," he said. "It's good for a young player like me to get exposure to different players with different play styles, as well as playing in a different way to Leeds."

? What a move!

? Marcus Qareqare finishes off a great #EnglandRL move!

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— England Rugby League (@England_RL) July 2, 2024

"It was definitely a proud moment for me and my family, especially as a first year. I thought I did good to adapt to different players, and the camp as a whole was very good. Being with a lot of players from other clubs, I'd say that bettered me because I was learning off them and getting tips for my game. Obviously we didn't get the end result, but it was good to get over two tries; I was buzzing about it. 

"It gives me a lot of confidence going into second year and the camp in particular gave me a lot of confidence coming back to play at Leeds as well."

? A try straight from the scrum!

2? Marcus Qareqare goes over for his second try!

? France lead #EnglandRL 36-24.... pic.twitter.com/wgRF5vHL5h
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) July 2, 2024

 Even in his first season as an Under-18, the Lock Lane junior hasn't missed a beat since stepping up from the club's Scholarship as he's featured in every Academy game for head coach Tony Smith and recorded tries against the Tigers and in a 62-12 win over Wakefield. Last week, the club announced that a cohort of 15 players, including Qareqare, have committed to long term deals, which has given the centre the extra confidence boost he needs with five games remaining.

"This season, I've developed loads more confidence and I know my role more," he reflected. "Whether I've played at centre or wing, I've found more confidence in defence and getting off the line, and obviously in attack too. It's adjustable between wing and centre, so it's about knowing my role in both. I'll play anywhere; Wing, centre, full back, I don't mind.

"I'm thinking wins for the last five games. I think we're going well and we've been getting a few wins off our backs against Wakefield, Hull and Huddersfield. I think the team is going well and bonding too. Playing at Headingley for the Huddersfield game, it gave me the experience of what it is like to run out with the first team in years to come. Having the crowd too, they give you a bit of a lift. It gave us a boost of energy, especially to get to the end of the game."

Looking ahead to taking on the Tigers, who took a 24-22 win away from AMT Headingley earlier in the season, Qareqare backed his team mates to perform in front of a home crowd. He said: "I think we can do the job. After losing the first time round, I think if we just stick to our jobs as a team we'll get through them. We can learn from that last game and be able to fix up what went wrong. just put it into this game onside here."

Don't miss our Under-18s in action on Saturday

Saturday sees AMT Headingley host a huge triple header of action as the Rhinos Men's, Women's and Academy teams all take to the field from 12.30pm.

Fans get all three games included for the usual price of a match ticket, starting with the Rhinos Women hoping to overturn St Helens after the two sides went head to head in the Challenge Cup Final. The Men's side take over at 3pm as they face London for the second time this year, before the Academy round off proceedings against Castleford at 5.30pm.

Ticket prices start at £25 for adults, £20 for concessions and £13 for juniors, with prices rising by £3 on matchdays. To buy tickets go to tickets.therhinos.co.uk or call the ticket office on 0371 423 1315. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (excluding Bank Holidays). Tickets also available to purchase from Leeds Rhinos Club Shop at AMT Headingley Stadium (CLICK HERE to check opening hours before travelling).

Fans can attend the U18s match only; however, access will only be permitted after 5pm via Leeds Rhinos Ticket Office, and there will be a £5 charge for entry.