Leeds Rhinos Women have named their squad for their first game of the season against Leigh Leopards in the Betfred Challenge Cup this Saturday at AMT Headingley, kick off 1pm.

Shannon Lacey is welcomed back into the squad for the first time since she was injured in the 2022 Grand Final and is expected to make her long-awaited return.
New signings Mel Howard, Tally Bryer and Lacey Owen are included in the squad along with six players who have been promoted to the first team this season from the Academy.  Elle Frain and Sophie Nuttall who missed last season with injury are also back in the squad.

The Rhinos are without Caitlin Beevers, who is out for the start of the season after a PLC reconstruction.  Ruby Enright, Bethan Dainton and Grace Field are also ruled out as they continue their rehabilitation from injury.

Interim head coach Leon Crick will take charge for Saturday's game, with Lois Forsell confirming this week that she will return for the second Betfred Women's Challenge Cup tie following her maternity leave.

The squad in full is:

2. Ebony Stead (Sponsored by B W S Waste Management Ltd)
4. Evie Cousins (Sponsored by Wetherby Whaler)
5. Sophie Nuttall (Sponsored by AC Auto Locksmiths)
6. Mel Howard (Sponsored by NIC FM Services)
7. Ruby Walker (Sponsored by Andrew & Alison Jones)
8. Bella Sykes (Sponsored by Y F Furniture)
9. Keara Bennett (Sponsored by Pickups Self Storage)
10. Izzy Northrop (Sponsored by SGH Sporting Events)
11. Shannon Lacey
12. Lucy Murray (Sponsored by Mick & Samantha Walsh)
14. Ruby Bruce
15. Ella Donnelly (Sponsored by J&B Travel)
16. Kaiya Glynn (Sponsored by Leeds Rhinos Players Association)
17. Jenna Greening (Sponsored by Eileen Dockray)
18. Liv Whitehead (Sponsored by Power Clean UK)
19. Grace Short
20. Elle Frain (Sponsored by Riva Homes)
22. Connie Boyd (Sponsored by Warners Fish Merchants) 
23. Frankie Blakey
24. Tally Bryer
25. Lacey Owen (Sponsored by NIC FM Services)

Ticket and Fan information

Tickets are £10 for adults and free for juniors 16 & under, plus Rhinos Season Members can attend for FREE as part of their membership package. Tickets are available at tickets.therhinos.co.uk and prices will not increase on match day. Purchased tickets will be issued on RhinosTix (Leeds Rhinos Ticketing App) from Friday 28th March. 

South Stand Turnstiles (Gate E on St Michaels Lane) open at 12noon, and free parking will be available in Car Park F (St Michaels Lane – LS6 3BR) on a first come, first-served basis.