'A great experience' Leeds Rhinos reserves face Wakefield Trinity in Headingley first

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It is two derbies for the price of one at Headingley on Saturday with Leeds’ reserves playing Wakefield Trinity (12.45pm) in a curtain-raiser to the Betfred Super League showdown between Rhinos and Castleford Tigers.

Trinity could need a win to finish second in the table and qualify for the Grand Final against unbeaten Wigan Warriors.

Rhinos are sixth going into their final match and Chev Walker won’t be taking any chances ahead of the under-18s’ play-off semi-final against Warrington Wolves at Headingley next Saturday.

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Walker - who coaches both lower-grade sides - said: I am debating who to play and who not to play.

Rhinos reserves coach Chev Walker. Picture by Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos/SWpix.com.Rhinos reserves coach Chev Walker. Picture by Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos/SWpix.com.
Rhinos reserves coach Chev Walker. Picture by Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos/SWpix.com.

“I won’t be putting any of them at risk, but it should be a mixture of lads who’ve not played much in the last month or so and maybe some Featherstone and Hunslet players.

“It is not worth the risk of injuries, because we are skinny on numbers.

The derby against Wakefield is the first time Leeds’ reserves have played at Headingley in a curtain-raiser to a first team game.

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“It is a good opportunity, even for the lads who play elsewhere,” Walker said.

Jack Sinfield, pictured in first team action against Toulouse Olympique, steered Rhinos academy into the play-off semi-finals.  Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Jack Sinfield, pictured in first team action against Toulouse Olympique, steered Rhinos academy into the play-off semi-finals.  Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Jack Sinfield, pictured in first team action against Toulouse Olympique, steered Rhinos academy into the play-off semi-finals. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

“It’s a chance for them to experience playing at Headingley in front of a crowd, especially in the warm-up to what Saturday should be.

“It should be a good occasion for them.”