26 Aug 2024

Rhinos Academy take on Bulls in final game decider this Thursday

The final round of the Under-18s Academy regular season pits derby rivals Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls against each other at Bartercard Odsal Stadium, kick off 7pm.

The fixture is a must-win game for Tony Smith's Rhinos side as they are in a three-horse race to snatch the fourth and final Play Off semi final spot. After having their four winning run broken up by a 25-12 defeat to Warrington last time out, Leeds dropped to sixth in the Academy Championship table behind Castleford Tigers and Hull FC, the other two clubs in the race for the top four. The Tigers, who are on 14 points, currently occupy fourth place and need a win against competitors Hull FC side on Saturday to book their play off spot, but should the black and whites triumph on home soil, they would join Castleford on 14 league points and would have to outscore Leeds, should the Rhinos win against the Bulls.

After starting the season with three defeats, the young Rhinos' mid-season rise in form has put them in a strong position to compete in the top half of the table. Despite their loss to the Wolves last time out, a strong performance against the Bulls this week would give Smith's side a boost should they make it into fourth spot.

Bradford hope to finish the season with a win, having lost all 11 of their games this year. The Bulls made a strong start to the season as they tested Wakefield, Warrington and Hull KR in the opening three games, but fell to big defeats against Castleford twice, Huddersfield, St Helens and Wigan over the course of the year. The Robins and Wakefield also beat the Bulls for a second time in their most recent games, but now they hope the run ends against the Rhinos on home turf.

Last time out

On a night that saw the RFL trial it’s new law modifications, Leeds Rhinos Under-18s ran out 50-32 victors against Bradford Bulls Under-18s, thanks to a second half fightback.