Leeds Rhinos have confirmed their squad that will travel to Castleford Tigers this weekend, with the big inclusion being one of their new signings.
Big is quite literally the word to use as 6’5 forward Jeremiah Mata’utia is named in the front row. He is one of just three senior players to be named in the side, with the Rhinos’ full focus on their game against Bradford Bulls.
The side, which is primarily made up of reserves and academy players, will be led by Chev Walker, the Leeds assistant boss who is also the reserves head coach.
Joining Mata’utia as first teamers that will play are Ben Littlewood and Tom Nicholson-Watton, although combined the pair only have 12 Super League appearances between them, so neither are exactly experienced.
Not including the aforementioned trio, 10 players who played in the club’s Boxing Day win over Wakefield Trinity will feature, though George Brown, who was the star that day, is not one of those.
Harley Thomas, who played the full 80, starts at full-back, whilst fellow Yorkshire Academy Origin representatives Marcus Qareqare, Jacob Hardy, Joe Butterfield, Joe Diskin, Harry Smith and Jacob Stead are all named.
The majority of the side were the members of Leeds’ reserves Grand Final winning side, as they beat Warrington Wolves 8-0 to clinch the league title.
The game will form part of Brad Singleton’s testimonial event, with the former Leeds, Wigan and Salford prop celebrating a decade of service to the sport.
Leeds Rhinos squad to face Castleford Tigers:Â 1. Harley Thomas, 2. Tom Richardson, 3. Jacob Hardy, 4. Oscar Brown, 5. Marcus Qareqare, 6. Dylan Hutchinson, 7. Harry Smith, 8. Jacob Stead, 9. Joe Diskin, 10. Jeremiah Mata’utia, 11. Ben Littlewood, 12. Oliver Smart, 13. Tom Nicholson-Watton, 14. Elliot Fox, 15. Joe Butterfield, 16. Hughie Tinkler, 17. Dacx Jones-Buchanan, 18. Harvey Butterworth, 19. Robin Smith, 20. Wade White, 21. Jacob To’oala, 22. Sonny Hetherington
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