83 mins

MATCH PREVIEW | U18s round off regular season with Warriors clash

The final game of the Under-18s Academy regular season sees Leeds Rhinos head to Robin Park Arena on Thursday night to take on Wigan Warriors in a top-of-the-table clash, kick off 7pm.

As the top two sides in this year's competition, both Leeds and Wigan have qualified for the Grand Final qualifiers - a new format for the Academy competition that sees the top two sides confirmed for the season finale after a further three rounds of matches.

Victory last time out over Wakefield a week ago saw Chev Walker's Leeds side move within two points of the Warriors, and should they find a win on Thursday night by 36 points, the Rhinos can mathematically move top of the league. That will be a tough ask against Matty Smith's Wigan side, who have been undefeated all season long with nine wins from nine, setting this week's game up to be an exciting contest.

Truly putting the defeat to Hull KR behind them, Leeds have won their last three matches in different manners to continue a largely successful season. Added to a high-scoring result against St Helens and a hard-fought 22-6 win away at Warrington, a changed side for the Wakefield visit saw several players stand up to the tough test, especially as they trailed 22-12 at the break. Tries from first-year players Alfie Steel, Noah Lunn and Bailey Hardy pulled the scoreline back in the Rhinos' favour before Seth Marchant ended the contest with a penalty goal - exemplifying the growth of the side's youngest players since opening the season against Leigh Leopards. Scott Walker and Lewis Jalal also stood up to their first Academy tests as the Rhinos took their tally to eight wins for the season.

Wigan aim to upset the Rhinos' rhythm and complete a clean sweep of ten wins for the season. Pushed close by Wakefield in a 24-22 result in their last game, Smith's side haven't struggled for points this campaign with notable 52-0, 88-0, 46-20, 42-16 and 42-0 wins over Castleford, Bradford, Huddersfield, Leigh and Warrington, plus they added a derby win over St Helens in what has been a stellar campaign for the Cherry and Whites.

Up until last year's loss in the season opener to Leeds, Wigan had won the last two encounters with Leeds on their way to the Grand Finals in 2023 and 2024. Games haven't lacked entertainment though - particularly the 23-22 thriller at AMT Headingley in 2022.

Last meeting

A perfect start to the 2025 Under-18s Academy season saw Leeds Rhinos defeat reigning champions Wigan Warriors 24-4 at Stanningley, despite losing two players to injury.

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