The halfway stage of the Under-16s Scholarship season sees Leeds Rhinos host Huddersfield Giants at AMT Headingley on Wednesday night as the young Rhinos make their first appearance at the stadium, kick off 7pm.

A twelve-try performance last time out saw Mark Butterill's side defeat Leigh Leopards on the road to add to their wins over Hull FC and Bradford already in 2025. Leading try scorer Sonny Hetherington's two tries in the win against the Leopards saw the centre continue his habit of scoring twice in every game for Leeds this season, but his wing partner Noah Sheriffe stole the show with four tries to open his account. 

Jacob Tooala continues as the side's top points scorer with four tries and eight goals too as the Rhinos look ahead to clashes against the Giants, Wakefield, Wigan, Castleford and St Helens in the second half of their season. 

Huddersfield Giants are set to provide a tough opposition as they've also won all three games too, although they've been tighter affairs. Jonny Wainhouse's side walked out to a 36-28 win over Castleford back in March before adding a 28-26 win over Wakefield a fortnight later in a last-minute winner.

Their meeting with Hull FC was also a close clash as the Giants snuck an 18-14 win at Laund Hill, and now they head to AMT Headingley looking to keep that winning form going before games against Hull KR and Salford Red Devils in June.

Team News

Head coach Butterill has named an experienced 20-man squad for the arrival of the Giants as he's selected mostly second-year players for the match.

Bailey Hardy, Connor Lawrie, Will Mathers, Harry Thompson and Liam Watson come into the side, with Watson making his first appearance of the year for the Rhinos. Seth Marchant keeps his spot in the halves and Jack Smith continues at full back in a largely unchanged squad from the side that defeated Leigh last time out.

On the bench, Henry Brough and Ben Smith come back for their first appearance since Hull FC in round one, plus there is also a spot for Toby Wieland, who was scouted playing Rugby Union but gets his first chance playing Rugby League on Wednesday.

The team for the Giants visit it:

1. Jack Smith sponsored by Mick Kielty

2. Liam Watson sponsored by Abzorb

3. Sonny Hetherington - Available to Sponsor

4. Jacob Tooala sponsored by EGS

5. Bailey Hardy - Available to Sponsor

6. Jack Mears sponsored by The Safety Consultants Company

7. Seth Marchant sponsored by Oak Electrical

8. Robin Smith - Available to Sponsor

9. Noah Lunn sponsored by Waterforce Property Services

10. Will Mathers sponsored by Barhale

11. Ryan Hosier sponsored by NHU

12. Alfie Steel sponsored by T&A Powering Maintenance

13. Brennan Townend sponsored by Crossroads Truck & Bus

14. Connor Lawrie - Available to Sponsor

15. Sam Oldroyd sponsored by Pro-Tech Automotive

16. Connor Mullins sponsored by Black Plent and Vehicle Hire

17. Toby Wieland - Available to Sponsor

18. Henry Brough sponsored by Bigbox

19. Ben Smith sponsored by Pivot

20. Harry Thompson sponsored by Roscoe

To sponsor a Rhinos Scholarship, Reserves, Men's or Women's Academy player, contact our Sales team on sales@therhinos.co.uk

More information

Entry to the Stadium is £5 for adults/concessions and free for junior 16 & under, with monies going towards rugby league development.

Entry is via Gate E at AMT Headingley and fans may use the South Stand Terrace and Seating to watch the game.