Rhinos Academy in focus: Tom Richardson

Ahead of every Rhinos Academy game this year, an Under-18s player will share more about themselves and their journey so far in Rugby League, their development in Chev Walker's team, and offer insight into the Rhinos camp.

As the side look to continue their winning run on the road against Bradford Bulls on Thursday night, Tom Richardson is next up to talk about how he's found getting used to the demands of Academy Rugby:

For Tom Richardson, 2025 has been a year to focus on his development and growth after stepping up from the Scholarship in 2024.. The Leeds Rhinos Under-18s centre has taken every challenge in his stride and he's loving every minute of it.

“Playing just makes me happy,” he says, reflecting on his season. “As long as I can say I’ve contributed in a few games and helped us get to where we want to be, that’s enough for me.”

Making the leap from scholarship to Academy level is never easy. The pace is quicker, the physicality tougher, and expectations higher. But for Richardson, the transition has been eased by familiar faces and a tight-knit squad. “We’d already spent a lot of time together in scholarship, so coming into the Academy setup, that connection was already there,” he explains. “It’s made a massive difference. The lads have all been really polite, the coaches are sound, and they’ve helped me get through it. Then when some of the first team lads come down, they’re passing on tips to help us in our positions. You’re always learning.”

Like many young players, Richardson been patient but stepped up when asked by head coach Chev Walker, especially in try scoring games against Castleford Tigers and Salford Red Devils. “You can’t expect to play loads in your first season,” he admits. “But I just want to get as much out of it as I can. Every minute in a game helps. The more I play, the better I’ll get.”

“We've kept grinding, working hard, and doing everything we could to improve our plays as a unit. That’s what we do.”

Now with the season focusing on a crucial final six games, starting tonight at Bradford, Leeds find themselves as the ones with the targets on their backs as they lead the league. Their form has been impressive, but Richardson said the side are taking it game by game, even with a test against another undefeated side in Warrington waiting on the horizon.

“It’ll be a real test to see how good we are,” Richardson says. “We’ve got to treat every game like a must-win if we want to reach our goal of making the playoffs and the Grand Final. That means giving every team the same respect, no matter where they are on the table.”