Leeds Rhinos will host Super League League Leaders’ Shield winners Wigan Warriors next year in a pre-season testimonial game for winger Ash Handley.
The Cherry and Whites will visit Headingley on Sunday, January 26 (3pm), in a clash that Brad Arthur will be using as a gauge as his side prepare to enter the 2025 Super League season. Handley, who made his debut for the club in 2014 and is currently Leeds’ longest-serving player, has been granted a 12-month benefit by the RFL.
This season’s Rob Burrow CBE Rhinos player of the year, Handley has scored 127 tries in 225 games for his home city club. He missed the final stages of the current campaign following wrist surgery, but is expected to be back to full fitness next term.
“It is a huge honour to be granted a testimonial with the Rhinos,” Handley said. “I would like to thank the club and the RFL for supporting this for me and I am looking forward to a big year on and off the field.”
He added: “Growing up, playing for the Rhinos was always my dream and to have done it for over 10 years now is very special. I would like to thank Chris Brookes, Kris Radlinski and Matt Peet at Wigan for agreeing to come over and play in my game. Wigan have set the benchmark in recent seasons and I am sure this will be a good test for us at the Rhinos just ahead of the new season.”
Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease commented: “Ash is one of the leaders in our group and a big influence on our team. I am pleased to see his loyalty to the Rhinos has been rewarded with a testimonial and I know the entire club will come together to support Ash throughout the testimonial year.”
Peet, Wigan’s head-coach, paid tribute to Handley. He said: “I coached against Ash throughout the England Academy and he was always an outstanding athlete and competitor. He has gone on to become one of the most consistent wingers in Betfred Super League and a leader at the Leeds Rhinos.
“He always conducts himself with class. We wish him all the best for a testimonial season he truly deserves.”
Handley’s testimonial opens with a Christmas celebration in the Howard Suite at AMT Headingley on Wednesday, December 11. Tickets for the event, which will be attended by past and present Leeds Rhinos players and includes a traditional festive dinner, cost £75 and can be booked by emailing emma.beech@therhinos.co.uk.
