Leeds Rhinos youngsters managed to show just why they are so highly rated on Boxing Day, according to Chris Hankinson.
Hankinson started for the Rhinos as they took on Wakefield Trinity in the annual festive challenge at Headingley Stadium, but he was one of the most experienced players in blue and amber, with Brad Arthur naming a young side for the all West Yorkshire clash.
That didn’t prevent Leeds getting the better of their local rivals and winning 18-10, though, with Alfie Edgell, George Brown and Riley Lumb all touching down in the first half. The likes of Ben Littlewood, Harley Thomas, Max Simpson and Ned McCormack all started the game, too, while Danny Levi and Jeremiah Mata’utia were the only senior faces on a 13-man bench.
Hankinson skippered the side at Headingley and he took the opportunity pile praise on the young group as a collective when speaking after the game.
“There was some really good talent on show today, they got to express themselves and in front of a big crowd as well which will be quite new to them but they’ll have enjoyed it, too,” Hankinson said when speaking to Leeds Rhinos’ club media.
“There’s some really good talent coming through the system which is really promising for Leeds going forward and it was good when some of the boys would come in and interchange, they got their hands on the ball really early and put their imprint on the game, which I thought was really good for them, too. Promising times.”
Leeds have two more friendlies to play now before they get their Super League season underway with a trip to Leigh Leopards. They’ll take on Castleford Tigers on January 18 for Brad Singleton’s testimonial before facing off against Bradford Bulls at Headingley a week later for Cameron Smith’s testimonial.
“If you asked anyone in the team if they were ready to play at this time in pre-season, everyone would have put their hand up and said so,” Hankinson said. “We’ve got a couple of weeks left, we’ve got a testimonial game for Cam against Bradford and then we’ll be fixing nicely for the start of the season.”
Hankinson did leave the field with what looked like a finger injury but he quickly allayed any concerns.
“It’s just a dislocation of the knuckle, it’s alright,” he smiled.
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