Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity have both filled their Boxing Day squads with a number of youngsters, and we have picked out some of the best prospects for you to look out for.
The Rhinos named their starting 13 and subs on Thursday, whilst Wakefield have only named a preliminary squad, but regardless, there are plenty of up-and-coming talents that you should keep your eye on, both in that match and for seasons to come.
If you decide that you don’t want to stand in the Headingley breeze on Friday, but still want to get your rugby fix, follow this link to see how you can watch the game live from the comfort of your own home.
But, whether it’s in-person or from your sofa, here are five young players that are expected to have big futures in the game, and will be hoping to impress after being given a first-team opportunity.
Five youth prospects to look out for in Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity’s Boxing Day clash
Zak Lloyd (Leeds Rhinos)
The rangy and powerful back-rower is a player hotly tipped by Leeds fans to go on and be a star, in a similar way that Presley Cassell did in 2025.
A member of Leeds’ reserves Grand Final winning squad, he will be used off the bench tomorrow, so look out for him when he gets his chance on the field.
Kian McGann (Wakefield Trinity)
Daryl Powell’s side brought McGann in this off-season on a long-term deal from St Helens. The half-back is one of many players in his position to be named in the squad, so may not as get as much time as other players, but his potential is something highly-thought of by the club.
In Saint’s academy side over the past two years, he has scored six tries and kicked 18 goals in 21 appearances.
George Brown (Leeds Rhinos)
Another half-back, Brown scored the winning try in this fixture last year, and continued that impressive form in the reserve side this season. With Jack Sinfield moving to Wakefield this off-season, Leeds are currently without a recognised back-up half-back, and it seems that Brown and Chris Hankinson will fill that role should they be needed.
Tray Lolesio (Wakefield Trinity)
The overseas prop will be hoping to have the same impact Caius Faatili had in his first season at Wakefield, as he moves over from the Queensland Cup. Whilst he isn’t a youth prospect out of Trinity’s academy, he is still only 23, and will be looking to make an instant impact in Super League.
Marcus Qareqare (Leeds Rhinos)
Brother of Castleford Tigers winger, Jason, the young winger has electric speed, and has highlighted that in his time in the Leeds ranks. He featured in this fixture a year ago, and also played a part in Ash Handley’s Testimonial game a month later
Qareqare is an academy origin representative, and scored for Yorkshire in both matches over Lancashire this season.
