Following their statement win over Wigan Warriors a fortnight ago, Leeds Rhinos Under-18s Academy take on Castleford Tigers Under-18s in an all-Yorkshire clash at The Jungle on Friday night, kick off 7pm.

Chev Walker's first game back as Academy head coach went as planned as the young Rhinos put together a strong performance to defeat the reigning Academy Champions, with tries coming from Presley Cassell, Zak Lloyd, Jacob Hardy and George Brown in the 24-4 result. The win is the first time the Rhinos had beaten the Warriors since Jack Sinfield's drop goal winner in 2022, and sets the side up for a strong year ahead. Looking over the next two months, the Rhinos have to look forward to games on the road against the Tigers and Salford Red Devils, whilst back at home they host Bradford and Wakefield at Stanningley as well as face Huddersfield Giants at AMT Headingley in the first double header of 2025. 

Additional minutes in the Reserves grade also looks to be benefitting the next generation of talent as Walker has given 15 players in his Under-18s squad a chance to play at the next level, including nine in the Rhinos recent 48-0 win over St Helens in the competition. Harley Thomas, Joe Diskin, Presley Cassell, Noah Whittingham and Callum Webster have notably played in every game for both the Academy and Reserves, with Thomas recording a personal points tally of 42 points (two tries and 22 goals).

Castleford Tigers' Academy had it's best season since the club made the Academy Grand Final in 2017 as they won seven games and finished outside of the semi final spots on points difference alone. Defeat in their final game of the season to Hull FC saw the black and white hop over Castleford to take the Fords' place in the semis, but the club has responded early in 2025 by posting 56 points on Bradford last time out.

Mitchell Beedle's hat trick saw the second year winger from Lock Lane open his account in dramatic style, plus last year's Academy player of the year Alfie Lindsey also got his name amongst the scorers on his first outing of the year for the Under-18s.

Last time out

After losing out to the Tigers earlier in the season, Leeds Rhinos Under-18s bounced back in 2024 to defeat Castleford 36-14 at AMT Headingley thanks to tries from Cassell, Jacob Stead, two tries from Callum Webster and a hat trick from Dax Millington.

Under-18s Academy Round Two Fixtures

Here's how the rest of the competition lines up in round two of the Academy season:

Bradford Bulls vs Warrington Wolves - Thursday 3rd April, KO 7pm

Huddersfield Giants vs St Helens - Saturday 5th April, KO 12pm 

Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR - Saturday 5th April, KO 12pm

Leigh Leopards vs Hull FC - Saturday 5th April, KO 12pm

Salford Red Devils vs Wakefield Trinity - Saturday 5th April, KO 2pm

More Information

Ticket information will be available here in due course.

For fans wanting to follow the game, make sure you follow the club's official accounts to keep up to date with the final score and scorers in the match.