Leeds Rhinos are half way to a Grand Final double after beating Warrington Wolves in today’s (Saturday) reserves title decider at AMT Headingley.
Warrington will get a chance to avenge their 8-0 loss in a week’s time when the clubs meet again, at HJ Stadium, with the academy championship up for grabs.
Leeds finished two points clear of Warrington on the reserves table, with the top-two qualifying automatically for the Grand Final.
The situation was reversed at under-18s level, Warrington winning all their points games including a one-point success against Rhinos, which was Leeds’ only defeat.
In atrocious conditions, all the scoring in the reserves Grand Final came during an eight-minute spell in the second quarter when eventual man of the match George Brown went over for a well-taken try and Jack Smith – who spent much of this season on loan at London Broncos – booted two goals.
Chev Walker, who coaches both Leeds’ lower-grade sides, reflected: “To nil a team is credit to the lads and the character and spirit they have shown all year, which has been great.”
Leeds Rhinos half way to Grand Final double
Warrington put Rhinos under huge pressure in the second half and Walker was proud of the way his side protected their line after half-time.
“They are brave,” he said. “I’ve said all year, their willingness to do stuff that no one else is willing to do – especially at this level – is credit to them and the environment they have developed themselves.
“We just facilitate it and it’s up to them whether they do the work. They keep tipping in and buying in, so it’s great for the club going forward. We rested a few this week and we’ll crack on now and try and get the double.”
Brown was 18th man for a Super League game earlier this season and is regarded by the club’s management as one of their most promising exciting prospects.
“He has had a great year, all the way from Boxing Day when he came up with a late winner in that game,” Walker said. It’ll stand him in good stead for the moments to come.”
Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.
