Leeds Rhinos Under-18s look to notch up their first win of the season on Thursday night as the young Rhinos face Wigan Warriors at AMT Headingley Stadium, kick off 7pm.

The young Rhinos may have had a tough start to 2024, but Tony Smith has given of his newest and youngest squad members a chance to play plenty of minutes, including Marcus Qareqare, Jacob Stead, Presley Cassell, Joe Buttefield, Jayemm Oladipupo, Harley Thomas and Dax Millington who have featured in both games against St Helens and Castleford Tigers.

After a 24-22 defeat to the Tigers, Leeds brush themselves off to take on the Warriors and Hull FC throughout April in exciting contests for Smith's side. Previous games against the Warriors have proved entertaining in previous years, including last year's closely fought 28-24 result which went the way of the visitors to Stanningley, as well as a 23-22 win for the Rhinos at AMT Headingley in 2022; Jack Sinfield kicking the winning drop goal. 2019's contest also saw one try separate the two sides as Jack Broadbent's winner's saw Leeds take home a 18-16 win.

Wigan enter Thursday's game with one win in their opening two games of 2024. Like the Rhinos, they also lost out to Castleford in a 30-25 results as the Tigers mounted a late comeback. Last time out though, they managed to edge reigning Academy champions St Helens in a 12-10 win, thanks to two tries from Jack Ferrimond.

Following their clash with Leeds, the Warriors also head over to Hull on 27th April as they take on Hull KR at Sewell Group Craven Park in their other fixture this month.

Last time out

In their final game of the 2023 Academy season, Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors played out a high quality contest at Stanningley, with the visitors walking away with a 28-24 result.

Despite going down to twelve players for most of the second half, the Rhinos rallied to post three second half tries from Kyden Frater, Riley Lumb and Bobby Hartley but were left to rue big scoring opportunities in the final ten minutes.

More Information

See the below fan information for Thursday night's Academy clash between Leeds and Wigan

- Fans enter the ground through Gate E (St Michaels Lane) from 6pm

- The entry fee is a cash donations for Leeds Rhinos Foundation on arrival.

- Viewing area – Unreserved seating in the South Stand seats or standing on the South Stand Terrace (along the side, undercover)

- Accessible area - South Stand accessible areas in front of the South Stand Terrace

- Toilets – AMT East Stand Ground Floor Toilets

- Parking - Free Parking is available in Car Park F (St Michaels Lane – LS6 3BR) on a first come, first served basis.

- Food and Drink – There will be a concession unit in South Stand Car Park selling food and drinks.

- Dogs – Dogs are not allowed at the venue with exception of Guide Dogs.