Pre-season friendlies, whilst their results don’t mean too much, bring with them opportunity, and that is one thing that players from both Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity will be looking for on Boxing Day.
Be it opportunity of a first-team debut, or an opportunity to put their name in contention for a starting jersey, this annual warm-up game is anything but friendly, as both sides want to start their 2026 campaign off with a win.
We have selected a few players from each side who will be hoping to prove a point on Friday, when Headingley hosts it’s annual fixture.
Leeds have named their starting side and substitutes, so we know more about their game plan than Wakefield’s, with Daryl Powell naming a squad, but won’t be naming his starting 13 until game day.
With that in mind, here are five players hoping to take their ‘opportunity’ with both hands, as they shake off the cobwebs from Christmas and get straight back into the action.
Five Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity players with points to prove on Boxing Day
Jack Sinfield (Wakefield Trinity)
The most obvious pick on the list, Sinfield moved from Leeds to Wakefield in the off-season, in a bid to try and find more senior playing time. His Headingley return has come quite soon, but it will be one both he and the two sets of fans will be eagerly anticipating.
As mentioned, we don’t know Powell full squad selection yet, but he is the most experienced half to be named, and is expected to get some big minutes later this week.
Riley Lumb (Leeds Rhinos)
After coming into the side in place of Maika Sivo, Lumb started the 2025 campaign in tremendous form, scoring 11 tries in 18 matches. However, he was dropped from the side in the second-half of the campaign for Alfie Edgell, and with Sivo looking set to be back fit for the start of the year, the youngster will want a strong showing to keep his name in contention for a starting wing spot.
Harvey Smith (Wakefield Trinity)
One of the most promising young hookers in the league, Smith performed well in 2025, partnering with Liam Hood flawlessly, and was solid in both defence and attack. He will be second choice again next year though, with Tyson Smoothy, being named as the club’s new number nine. Like Lumb, he will want to start the year well and continue to push for a place in the starting 17.
Tom Nicholson-Watton (Leeds Rhinos)
The young prop forward had a 2025 season marred by injury, and only managed one appearance, with that coming in April. The recently-turned 23-year-old will start off the bench later this week, and will be hoping for a season that includes consistent game time and more first team opportunities.
Max Simpson (Leeds Rhinos)
Fresh of a new three-year deal, Simpson is hotly tipped to be the club’s starting centre once Harry Newman leaves to go to the NRL. If Newman and Ash Handley stay fit though, it’s likely he won’t get too many chances in the first team, so what better way to keep his name at the top of that list by impressing in those opportunities that do come his way.
