Scholarship Rugby League returns this Wednesday night as Leeds Rhinos take on Wigan Warriors at Robin Park Arena, kick off 7pm.

Before the break in matches to facilitate GCSE exams for those in year 11, the Rhinos had managed to win two of five games as they continued the first stage of their development in the club's youth pathway. After opening the campaign with an 18-10 result against Bradford, Simon Brown's side learned some tough lessons as the next three games against Hull FC, Leigh and Huddersfield all ended in defeats at full time. Nevertheless, the side rallied in their most recent outing as two tries from Noah Sheriffe and scores from Lewis Kilner, Stan Marriott, Alfie Quinn, Wade Smith and Oli Vincent helped to secure a 36-20 final score against Wakefield Trinity as the side finished on a positive note before the season's break.

The first five games have been a great opportunity, particularly for the youngest first-year squad members to learn and put plays into practise in game scenarios. Laike Smith has featured in every minute in his debut campaign, whilst Oliver Brown and Myles Hartley have also received major gametime both as starters and off the bench. Second-year player Joe Gill leads the scoring stats as the centre has four tries so far this campaign, whilst Henry Brough has also impressed in all five games at half back. Upcoming matches against Wigan, Castleford and St Helens offer an opportunity to continue that development, particularly with academy contracts looming for the second year players.

Wigan have had a mixed season like the Rhinos with three wins in five games. Starting with a draw against St Helens back in March, they continued a strong start to the campaign with further wins against Hull KR and Castleford Tigers before falling to Leigh in a 44-14 loss. Warrington added a second defeat of the campaign at the end of April, but the Warriors picked themselves up to outscore Huddersfield 54-24 last week.

They face the Rhinos and Bradford both on home soil in their final games of the Scholarship season.

Last time out

Ticket Information

Entry at Robin Park Arena is £5 for Adults and £3 for Under-16s