The road to the Under-18s Academy Grand Final starts this week as Leeds Rhinos Under-18s get their Qualifiers campaign underway in an all-Yorkshire contest against Castleford Tigers Under-18s at Stanningley on Thursday, kick off 7pm.

Along with Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, the competition's top four sides after 11 regular season games now head into a short 3-game series this month to decide the two clubs who will compete for the Grand Final crown in September. With points tallies from the season wiped, all four teams start from zero again to give each side an equal chance at qualifying for the season finale so a winning start is paramount.

Kicking their qualifiers campaign off against the Tigers, Chev Walker's Leeds side look to bounce back from a tough defeat to Wigan in their final regular season game, but they will be aware of the threat the Tigers pose after a tight 26-16 result back in March. After Thursday's game, Leeds then head to Robin Park Arena to face off against the Warriors on Wednesday 12th August, before returning home on Saturday 22nd August to take on Warrington Wolves - by which time it will be clear who has the best chance of reaching the Grand Final.

Barring last week's game, the Rhinos have been building steadily over the course of the year, particularly when players have stepped up to Reserves or first grade (in the case of Zak Lloyd last week). That has handed opportunities to some of the youngest squad members to give them experience heading into different types of performances, ranging from blowout wins against St Helens and Leigh to tighter comeback affairs like the last home game against Wakefield.

A strong middle part of 2026 aided Castleford's qualification into the top four as they aim to return to the Academy Grand Final for the first time since 2017.

The Tigers have picked up important wins where required to ensure they saw off the late surges of Hull KR, St Helens and Hull FC. Victory over the Robins in their opening game provided vital momentum before the side lost back-to-back games against Leeds and Wigan, before they found their groove again to beat Bradford, Leigh and Saints to move up the table. A derby win over Wakefield and result versus Hull all but confirmed their spot in the four, even though a loss to Huddersfield last time out meant that the Tigers only qualified by one league point.

Their top four campaign sees Castleford play Leeds and Warrington on the road, before hosting Wigan at The OneBore Stadium in their final game on Wednesday 19th August.

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Last meeting

Watch the action from earlier in the season as Leeds met Castleford in a close contest at Stanningley.

Take a look at the highlights:

Recent Form

Rhinos

Lost 44-12 vs Wigan Warriors

Won 30-22 vs Wakefield Trinity

Won 22-6 vs Warrington Wolves

Tigers

Lost 32-16 vs Huddersfield Giants

Won 42-28 vs Hull FC

Won 26-24 vs Wakefield Trinity

Ticket Information

Entry to the game is priced at £5 adults, £3 concessions and free for Under-16s.

Fans are reminded when parking at Stanningley to be courteous to the surrounding residents and use either the main car park or the large car park on the entrance to the ground.