4 hrs

Rhinos confirm exciting scholarship intake ahead of 2026

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed the 34 players who have committed to its Scholarship programme ahead of the 2026 season as the club continues to develop the next generation of talent in and around the city of Leeds.

Next year’s squad will see 14 new Under-15s players begin their journey at the Rhinos as Evan Armstrong, Oliver Brown, Alfie Cartwright, Cole Charlesworth-March, Dylan Duckmanton, Deacon Ellam, Myles Hartley, Jaylen Johnson, Lewis Kilner, Eli Kirrane-Perrin, Tristan King, Charlie Medley, Thomas Sharp and Sam Spears make their first step into a professional rugby pathway.

The cohort represent ten community clubs from the Yorkshire Junior Leagues - six of which are battling it out in Division 1 (Lock Lane, Siddal, Drighlington, Sharlston Rovers, York Acorn and Normanton Knights). Players from Shaw Cross and Batley Boys of Division 2, Guiseley Rangers of Division 3 and Doncaster Toll Bar will also join the Rhinos in 2026.

Twenty Under-16s players will progress into their second and final year at Scholarship level as they look to build on last year’s six-win season. A further eight community clubs are represented by the group, led by a quartet from Oulton Raiders who look to follow in the footsteps of first team co-captain Ash Handley. All but one Under-16s player made their first appearance for the Scholarship this season, with Noah Sheriffe and Wade Smith leading the try scoring with four tries each in 2025.

Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director Ian Blease, commented, “The Scholarship is an important first step for these players into professional rugby. Being part of our training environment and working with professional coaches will enable them to build on the foundations they have developed with their community clubs. We are pleased to have secured these players for next season but the task of recruiting the best young players does not stop there, especially in a sport like Rugby League which benefits from late developing talent as players grow. We are always on the look out for the best local talent, including Rugby Union players, to strengthen our development pathway.”

All players involved in the Rhinos Scholarship programme will combine training and playing for Leeds alongside playing for their community clubs.

Scholarship U15s

Thomas Sharp

Oliver Brown

Deacon Ellam

Tristan King

Alfie Cartwright

Cole Charlesworth-March

Jaylen Johnson

Sam Spears

Eli Kirrane-Perrin

Lewis Kilner