Wednesday night sees Leeds Rhinos Under-16s head over the Pennines for their second away game of the season as Mark Butterill's side clash with Leigh Leopards at Leigh East ARLFC, kick off 7.30pm.

It's the first time in the competition that the two sides have faced off, and the Leopards catch Leeds in red-hot form after a convincing win over Bradford last time out. Even despite changes to the squad ahead of every game so far - which isn't uncommon in Scholarship rugby as players are given a chance to play minutes over a short schedule - the Rhinos have maintained form to score 94 points in two games. 

After this weekend's game, 16 out of 20 first-year players will have been able to get their first experience of pulling on a Leeds shirt, as the Scholarship programme continues to go from strength to strength,.

Leigh's first season in the Scholarship got off to a tough start as they suffered a 72-0 defeat at the hands of Wakefield Trinity back in March, before losing out 44-8 to St Helens in their most recent game. The Rhinos will provide a tough test next up, before the Leopards take on Wigan, Bradford and Hull FC in their next three games.

Team News

Head coach Butterill hands first appearances to seven first-year Scholars, who have all been added on the bench after the win over Bradford last time out. Dylan Baira, Jordan Barker-Day, Oscar Brown, Dillon Eshun, Ellis Johnson, Stan Marriott and Ralph Normington have all been added to the lineup as the latest crop of players to be given the opportunity to impress the Rhinos staff. 

Further changes from the Bulls win sees half back Seth Marchant and prop Connor Mullins come in for their first appearance of the Scholarship season, and Noah Sheriffe is included on the wing after getting his first start against Hull FC. Ryan Hosier steps off the bench to start in the back row, and moves in the spine sees Jack Smith shift from half back to full back for the first time for the Rhinos this year, and Sam Oldroyd is on the wing after scoring in both games for Leeds this year.

Jack Mears continues to lead the side in tries as the half back took his tally to four tries in 2025 with a hat trick against Bradford. Jacob Tooala also keeps his spot after slotting eight goals at Odsal.

The team is:

1. Jack Smith sponsored by Mick Kielty

2. Noah Sheriffe sponsored by A4 Barcodes

3. Sonny Hetherington - Available to Sponsor

4. Jacob Tooala sponsored by EGS

5. Sam Oldroyd sponsored by Pro-Tech Automotive

6. Jack Mears sponsored by The Safety Consultants Company

7. Seth Marchant sponsored by Oak Electrical

8. Robin Smith (VC) - Available to Sponsor

9. Noah Lunn sponsored by Waterforce Property Services

10. Connor Mullins sponsored by Black Plant and Vehicle Hire

11. Ryan Hosier sponsored by NHU

12. Alfie Steel sponsored by T&A Powering Maintenance

13. Brennan Townend sponsored by Crossroads Truck and Bus

14. Dylan Baira sponsored by Complex Access Solutions

15. Jordan Barker-Day sponsored by RJB Builders

16. Stan Marriott - Available to Sponsor

17. Ellis Johnson sponsored by PS Welding & Engineering

18. Ralph Normington sponsored by Radiance Hairdressing

19. Dillon Eshun sponsored by Complex Access Solutions

20. Oscar Brown sponsored by Clear Space

Ticket Information

Entry at Leigh is £5 for adults, £3 for 12-17s and concessions, and free for Under-12s.