2 Mar 2026

MATCH PREVIEW | Rhinos U18s travel to Leigh for opening game

The 2026 Under-18s Academy season gets underway this weekend as some of the brightest talents in Rugby League get the opportunity to continue their development in competitive matches over the next seven months.

After coming close to Grand Final glory last year, Leeds Rhinos open their campaign with an away trip to face Leigh Leopards at Golbourne Parkside on Saturday afternoon, kick off 2pm.

Chev Walker's side battled with Warrington Wolves throughout the 2025 season, but the Wolves proved to be the only challenge the young Rhinos couldn't overcome during the regular season and in the season finale. Otherwise, the Rhinos swept every opponent put in front of them that season, including the Leopards in a high-scoring 84-24 final score that set the team up for a run of four consecutive wins on their way to the Grand Final.

Saturday's opener sees the Rhinos looking to get their season off to the best possible start, which is more important than ever after a change in format sees the Under-18s season split at the end of July.

The Leopards will also be aiming to make a winning start to 2026 after a tough campaign in 2025. Now headed up by club stalwart Martyn Ridyard, Leigh hope to add to their two wins last season that saw the club finish 11th.

Last time out

A 52-point second half saw the Rhinos get back to winning ways as four tries from Zak Lloyd and hat tricks from Marcus Qareqare and Wade White helped Chev Walker’s side to an 84-24 win over Leigh in 2025.

Take a look at the highlights: