Rhinos Academy in focus: Dacx Jones-Buchanan

Ahead of each Academy game this year, each Under-18s player will be telling a bit more about themselves and their journey so far in Rugby League, their development in Chev Walker's team, and give an insight into the Rhinos camp.

Opening the season, Dacx Jones-Buchanan looks ahead to Friday's clash against Wigan Warriors:

A meeting with the reigning Academy Grand Final champions in round one gives the Rhinos Under-18s a stern challenge to open their campaign. Despite the challenge, even the youngest members of this year's squad are feeling prepared to tackle Friday's game, as well as the season, head on. Dacx Jones-Buchanan is hoping to hit the ground running in his first game as an Under-18, and is under no illusion of the task that Wigan will pose.

"Pre-season's been fun, said the Stanningley junior. "It's been really tough as well actually, but Chev and the coaches have been really good with us. There's a lot of running and gym work to help us make the step up but yeah it's been alright. I think all of us have worked on skill and improved our overall development so we need to put it into practice on Friday."

After initially coming into the club's Scholarship as a centre, he got the opportunity to move into the forward pack as a prop in 2024 and he looks to nail down a position in the pack again alongside his older brother Lore. "I'd like to be in the forward pack at prop this year. It's tough - in backs you're more skill-based and forwards you're running it hard. I love defending, running the ball, all contact and everything so I think I'm more suited to there."

Although players have taken the opportunity to feature in the Reserves side earlier this month, Jones-Buchanan has been able to test himself against another Academy side after they defeated Hull FC 18-6 in a trial match in February. In a tight affair, Jones-Buchanan was among eight players who got their first experience of Academy rugby at an important time in their development.

Looking back on it, Jones-Buchanan said: "It was obviously tough but we did all really well. The second year lads all made us first year lads feel ready for the game, and it was an opportunity to work on our team goals and bonding on the field. All the young boys did really well in the game and I think in the second half, we came into our own."

Now ready to face the Warriors, who will be out to begin the season with a win themselves, Jones-Buchanan prepares to head into the unknown, having not played against a Wigan side in his two-years with the Scholarship. He hopes that home advantage came come into play, as the game is played at his community club Stanningley. "Honestly I don't know any of them but I know it's going to be tough, all games are going be tough this season. We're going to be in for a hard game but I'm going to get stuck into them and give my best"

With the new Under-18s season only a day away, take a look at some of the best moments from the new cohort of players who could be in action for Chev Walker's side against Wigan.