Game two of the Under-16s Scholarship season sees Leeds Rhinos travel to Bartercard Odsal on Wednesday night as Mark Butterill's side takes on Bradford Bulls, kick off 7pm.

The young Rhinos opened their season in style as they put Hull FC to the sword in a 42-22 result in the opening game of the year, and this week sees the side look to add to their positive start against their derby rivals. The game against Hull saw Butterill give a handful of his youngest talent the chance to get a first appearance, but it was his second year players that got the job done as Sonny Hetherington, Will Mathers, Jack Mears, Sam Oldroyd, Robin Smith and Jacob Tooala all opened their try scoring accounts for the year. 

Tooala's effort was particularly special in the first half, and you can watch the highlights of every try now:

The Bulls lost their opening game against Hull KR as they fell to a 34-16 loss at Sewell Group Craven Park, but Martyn Oxbury's side look to bounce back with this week's test against the Rhinos. It's the start of a tough period that sees the Bulls take on Leeds and St Helens during this month, before they take on Castleford, Leigh and Wakefield in their next five games.

The Bulls have been unable to beat Leeds in the Scholarship competition, losing the last seven meetings. Since the competition returned after the Covid-19 pandemic, Bradford's only points came in last year's clash after they lost 32-0 in 2021, 60-0 in 2022 and 64-0 in 2023.

Team News

The Rhinos have named a strong lineup to take on the Bulls as they go in search of win number two of the season. Head coach Butterill has made six changes to the side that defeat Hull FC and gives five players in their first year with the Scholarship a chance to pull on the Rhinos shirt for the first time.

Archie Butler, Charlie Hagan, Alex Newell and Oliver Vincent have all been named on the bench for their first game of the season, whilst winger Wade Smith gets his first taste of Scholarship Rugby League from the kick off as he's been named as a starter. Coming into the season, Oliver Vincent in particular was one of three Rugby Union players from Harrogate to catch the eye of the Rhinos Talent ID team and gets his chance to impress against the Bulls.

The rest of the squad is largely unchanged from the win last time out. Ryan Hosier was a late withdrawal ahead of the Hull game but is on the bench for Wednesday's game, whilst Robin Smith and Sonny Hetherington look to continue their high scoring start to 2025 after both scoring twice in the opening game of the year.

The team is:

1. Sam Oldroyd sponsored by Pro-Tech Automotive

2. Bailey Hardy sponsored by Castleford Physiotherapy

3. Jacob Tooala sponsored by Engineered Glass Systems

4. Sonny Hetherington sponsored by Butterfield Builders

5. Wade Smith sponsored by Rapid Skip Hire

6. Jack Mears sponsored by The Safety Consultants Company

7. Jack Smith sponsored by Mick Kielty

8. Robin Smith (Vice Captain) sponsored by Yorkshire Will Writers

9. Noah Lunn sponsored by Waterforce Property Services

10. Will Mathers sponsored by Barhale

11. Daniel Shaw sponsored by JPG

12. Alfie Steel sponsored by T&A Powering Maintenance

13. Brennan Townend (Captain) sponsored by Crossroads Truck and Bus

14. Harry Thompson sponsored by Roscoe

15. Connor Lawrie - Available to Sponsor

16. Charlie Hagan - Available to Sponsor

17. Archie Butler sponsored by Pipetec Fabrications

18. Oliver Vincent sponsored by Lycetts

19. Ryan Hosier sponsored by Nathan Hadfield Utilities

20. Alex Newell - Available to Sponsor

If you would like to sponsor a Rhinos Men's, Women's, Academy or Scholarship player in 2025, email sales@therhinos.co.uk now.