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.

Team News

Head coach Simon Brown makes seven changes to the last Under-16s side to feature againt Wakefield at Stanningley back in April.

Dylan Baira, Jordan Barker-Day, Oscar Brown, Charlie Medley and Ben Smith all return to the lineup after missing the Trinity game - Baira and Smith both slotting straight back into the starting squad in the pack whilst the remaining trio are all set to come off the bench. Tristan King is set to make his first Scholarship outing of the year as he is included on the bench for the trip to the Warriors, plus Bamidele Olasode is also in line for his Under-16s debut amongst the substitutes.

Recent try scoring performances against Huddersfield and Wakefield sees Lewis Kilner make his first start in a Rhinos shirt after featuring off the bench three times, whilst Alfie Butler and Kazimierz Ciuraj-Davison both rotate into starting lineup too in the prop positions.

The team in full is:

1. Noah Sheriffe - Sponsored by A4 Barcodes

2. Alfie Quinn - Sponsored by Shaping Bodies

3. Joe Gill - Sponsored by ER Scaffolding

4. Lewis Kilner - Available to Sponsor

5. Wade Smith - Sponsored by Rapid Skip Hire

6. Henry Brough - Sponsored by Padel Shed

7. Oliver Vincent - Sponsored by Wilson Power Solutions

8. Kazimierz Ciuraj-Davison

9. Lennon Kelly - Available to Sponsor

10. Archie Butler - Sponsored by Prestige Work Surfaces

11. Dillon Eshun - Available to Sponsor

12. Dylan Baira - Available to Sponsor

13. Ben Smith - Sponsored by Pivot

14. Jordan Barker-Day - Sponsored by The Hall Family

15. Evan Armstrong - Available to Sponsor

16. Tristan King - Sponsored by Nick Lunn

17. Charlie Medley - Sponsored by Hunters of Helmsley

18. Stan Marriott - Available to Sponsor

19. Bamidele Olasode - Available to Sponsor

20. Oscar Brown - Sponsored by Clear Space

Last time out

Ticket Information

Entry to Robin Park Arena is £5 Adults £3 concessions to be paid on the gate by either Cash or Card. There's drinks and light snacks available on-site, card only.