Rhinos set to face Warriors for Ash Handley testimonial

Leeds Rhinos and England winger Ash Handley has been granted a twelve month testimonial by the Rugby Football League having played for over a decade for his home town club.

As part of the year long celebrations, Leeds Rhinos will face recently crowned Betfred Super League League Leaders Warriors at AMT Headingley on Sunday 26th January, kick off 3pm.

Handley made his debut for the Rhinos back in 2014 and has played 225 games for his home town club, scoring 127 tries. The 28-year-old was recently named the inaugural winner of the Rob Burrow CBE Player of the Year as the Rhinos best player for 2024.

Commenting on his testimonial Handley said, “It is a huge honour to be granted a testimonial with the Rhinos. I would like to thank the club and the RFL for supporting this for me and I am looking forward to a big year on and off the field. Growing up, playing for the Rhinos was always my dream and to have done it for over ten years now is very special. I would like to thank Chris Brookes, Kris Radlinski and Matt Peet at Wigan for agreeing to come over and play in my game. Wigan have set the benchmark in recent seasons and I am sure this will be a good test for us at the Rhinos just ahead of the new season.”

Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director Ian Blease added, “Ash is one of the leaders in our group and a big influence on our team. I am pleased to see that his loyalty to the Rhinos has been rewarded with a testimonial and I know the entire club will come together to support Ash throughout the testimonial year.”

Wigan Warriors Head Coach Matt Peet added, “I coached against Ash throughout the England Academy and he was always an outstanding athlete and competitor. He has gone on to become one of the most consistent wingers in the Betfred Super League and a leader at the Leeds Rhinos. He always conducts himself with class. We wish him all the best for a Testimonial season that he truly deserves.”

Handley will kick off his testimonial year with a special Christmas celebration on Wednesday 11^th December. Places are available now for the event in the Howard Suite at AMT Headingley which includes traditional Christmas dinner. Rhinos players, past and present, will be in attendance arrival from 6.30pm. Tickets are £75 per place which can be booked by emailing emma.beech@therhinos.co.uk