Leeds Rhinos player ratings after victory over Wakefield Trinity

After spending £300,000 on Salford Red Devils duo Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft ahead of 2024 as well as some other outstanding signings, the optimism is high at Leeds Rhinos headed into 2024.

Their fans had their first chance to look at the 2024 squad in action today against Wakefield Trinity in their traditional friendly the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge.

But how did their players get along? Overall it was a game that showed the threat Leeds will pose but some significant worries that need to be addressed.

But the question we’re looking to answer for you right now is how did each player get on so here are our player ratings from today’s game.

1. Lachie Miller – 6
By now we all know about Darwin Nunez. A naturally gifted player who can do some amazing things but you never know what exactly you’re going to get from him. This feels like what we got from Lachie Miller. Full of energy, he created Leeds’ first but also Wakefield’s fourth throwing an intercept. He through some wild offloads too. He can’t be blamed for the short kick off debacles but was out paced twice. He was definitely better in the second half as Leeds got on top and created Olpherts second to make it two assists.

19. Derrell Olpherts – 7
A man with something to prove. He scrambled well in defence but squandered his first attacking opportunity when he kicked the ball straight out. Struggled to make metres in the first half but a better second half from Leeds would see him flourish and he was on hand to score Leeds’ fourth of the game. He needed a confidence boost and that was it as he would then score again with a flying finish.

3. Jack Smith – 7
Was part of an inexperienced right edge who struggled defensively in the first 40 but learnt his lesson when he intercepted to score Leeds’ second and spark the comeback. Will have gained some vital experience.

24. Luis Roberts – 8
Looked very threatening but things mostly didn’t work out for the centre. He took his try well and showed that he is streets above what we saw last year. His best moment was a sensational break 20 metres from his own line which deserved a try. Will be a good back up centre in 2024.

5. Ash Handley – 8
As you’d expect, Leeds’ best attacking player. Things didn’t quite stick for him either and but he made a couple of halfbreaks. He was rested in the second half.

21. Jack Sinfield – 9
Excellent kicking game and played his role in set plays relatively well. He did get caught out defensively for Wakefield’s second try. He kicked four out of five goals and nailed a drop goal for good measure.

7. Matt Frawley – 8
Like his halfback partner, he kicked well and moved the ball round well. He supported the play well and took the ball to the line.

18. Mickael Goudemand – 7
Struggled to make a massive impact in the first half though it was difficult for anyone to do so in a stop start affair in the first half. Was superb in the second half and took his try well.

9. Andy Ackers – 9
The fluctuating ruck speed didn’t help the former Salford man in the first who also struggled to generate the momentum he’d have wanted. However, he took matters into his own hands in the second half twice carving Wakefield up to create tries for his teammates a day after his birthday. He was rested after this.

17. Justin Sangare – 6
Made himself busy but was unable to really get on top of the Wakefield pack.

20. Morgan Gannon – 7
Looked a threat on the left edge hitting some good lines and running hard.

16. James McDonnell – 6
Didn’t get the same level of service as Gannon on the right edge but did make yards when given the ball.

13. Cameron Smith – 8
Leeds’ best player in a difficult first 40 was their skipper. His runs were threatening and always offered the chance to move the ball. He then got a deserved try in the second half backing up Andy Ackers to score.

14. Jarrod O’Connor – 7
Full of energy like usual but had little opportunity to impact the game in the first half. Led by example in the second half.

29. Alfie Edgell – 6
A promising young fullback who was full of energy in the game.

26. Corey Johnson – 6
Looked solid at nine after replacing Ackers in the second half.

15. Sam Lisone – 6
Came on and tried to make an impact but didn’t have the strike we associate with him normally. He’ll get up to speed.

11. Ben Littlewood – 6
Did well and will have enjoyed the run out. Made a terrific try saving tackle.

6. Fergus McCormack – 6
A halfback for the future, he looked dangerous with ball in hand and played well with Sinfield.

4. Ned McCormack – 6
Another exciting talent who gained valuable experience.

2. Riley Lumb – 6
Made a lovely half break and a lovely tackle to deny a try.

30. Tom Nicholson-Watton – 7
Looked strong in the middle of the field and made a lovely little break in the first half that should have led to more than it did. He continued to show promise in the second half.