Leeds Rhinos U18s 12 Hull KR U18s 20

A frustrating night at Stanningley saw Leeds Rhinos Under-18s lose out 20-12 against Hull KR Under-18s, despite tries from Wade White and Jacob Tooala.

The young Rhinos had built confidence off the back of a strong start to 2026, but the Robins proved tricky opponents from the first minute when they shocked the away crowd with a try inside the first ten minutes. The home side was forced into a restructure when Jack Mears suffered a category one HIA concussion five minutes in, and with Hull KR attacking the Rhinos line from close range, Alfie Wainberg-Woods exposed an unset Leeds defensive line to dart out of dummy half for the game’s first try.

The arm-wrestle intensified as the rain fell in a setting more familiar to February rather than June, with the wet conditions also causing handling errors, mainly from Leeds. Full back Theo Roberts – making his first appearance since successfully trialling at the club - was lucky that after being forced over the sideline 20 metres from his own try line, Wainberg-Woodswas unable to get the ball down as the Rhinos successfully defended another drive for the line. Leeds’ patience paid off as Wade White pounced on a poor pass from Alex Gorman as the half back intercepted the ball to race away and level the score with 19 minutes gone.

White was almost released for a second score when he cut back against the grain off Kai Irvine’s pass, but Cobi Ellis was penalised for obstruction to deny a certain score for the Leeds player. In response, the Robins found a breakthrough as Gorman ghosted through the Rhinos defence and passed inside for Henry Hope to score by the posts and reestablish the away side’s lead with half time in sight.

In what was developing into an eye-catching duel, Gorman and White continued to come up with major plays for their sides to keep in the contest. After assisting the Hope try, Gorman released Alfie McKinley away down the sideline, only for White to valiantly chase down the substitute and force him over the sideline. The drama extended up until the break as a hit by Harvey Butterworth was put on report by referee Joe Sterne as the Rhinos avoided losing a man to the sin bin heading into a 12-6 half time score.

Despite their best efforts, the second half saw the home side unable to reel in their opponents despite a much-improved period.

Kickstarting with a White grubber kick through for the in-goal area, Jacob Tooala and Noah Lunn were both unlucky not to get to the ball as Rhys Williams intervened for the Robins. Turning defence into attack, Peter Riding’s side showed their intentions after the break with another Gorman break, only for Henry Tully to be dragged down.

Ten minutes into the second period, Hull KR found the game-breaking try courtesy of McKinley. Following a half break by Bailey Hardy that tested the Robins’ edge defence, Gorman posted McKinley through a gap before he beat full back Roberts to dive over the try line. Williams’ conversion made the score 18-6.

With Leeds unable to muster a response, Gorman and Hope combined to set Hull KR away for what looked to be a certain try, but a mixture of good chasing by the Rhinos’ defence and an obstruction denied the try. Frustratingly, Chev Walker’s side struggled to keep hold of the ball and almost saw Alfie Petty drive over, but great goal-line defence stood strong as the clock moved past the hour mark.

Knowing time wasn’t on their side, the young Rhinos were handed a golden opportunity when Trent Turner was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Irvine. Utilising the extra man and field position, an inspired try by Tooala looked to set up a comeback as the centre found his fifth try of the year. With the rain continuing, the wet ball didn’t aide the Rhinos’ cause as Hull KR’s drive downfield ended in Connor Lawrie stripping Joshuah Guynan of the ball, and Williams stepped up to kick a penalty goal to confirm a 20-12 final score.

Teams

Rhinos

1. Theo Roberts, 2. Tom Richardson, 3. Sonny Hetherington, 4. Jacob Tooala, 5. Bailey Hardy, 6. Kai Irvine, 7. Wade White, 8. Evan Jones, 9. Jack Mears, 10. Dacx Jones-Buchanan, 11. Alfie Steel, 12. Cobi Ellis, 13. Zak Lloyd

Subs: 14. Noah Lunn, 15. Connor Lawrie, 16. Harvey Butterworth, 17. Hughie Tinkler (18th Man – Seth Marchant)

Tries: White (19), Tooala (55)

Goals: Roberts 2/2

Hull KR

1. Rhys Williams, 2. Riley Dunn, 3. Trent Turner, 4. Harry Moore, 5. Henry Hope, 6. Alex Gorman, 7. Harrison Horne, 25. Alfie Petty, 9. Alfie Wainberg-Woods, 20. Teo Ema, 11. Luca Irwin, 12. Henry Tully, 22. Theo Middlemas

Subs: 14. Joshuah Guynan, 23. Adam Todd, 18. Max Thorley, 17. Alfie McKinley (18^th Man - Locklyn Hartley)

Tries: Woods (6), Hope (30), McKinley (51)

Goals: Williams 4/4

Sin Bin: Turner (62 – Dangerous Throw)