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Leeds Rhinos’ academy and women’s sides faced each other in a unique training session ahead of games on Sunday.

Rhinos women visit Warrington Wolves for a pre-season fixture at Victoria Park (12.30pm) and the under-18s begin their season away to Newcastle Thunder (2pm).

“We had an opposed session against Leeds Beckett University on Tuesday and on Thursday we had an opposed/joint session with the women’s team,” academy coach Tony Smith said.

“That was really good, it is good to feel connected to other people who are also part of the Leeds Rhinos brand.”

Academy coach Tony Smith makes a point to his players at training. Picture by Dan Hawkhead/Leeds Rhinos.

Rhinos are the reigning Women’s Super League champions and the academy also won their Grand Final in 2022.

“The women are at a good level,” Smith added. “They are well coached by Lois Forsell and her staff and their skill is really good.

“It is like the next level regarding training and it’s good to expose the players to that kind of thing.

“It’s not full-on, like a game, but it’s different to the normal week-in, week-out practice and it’s good to practice under pressure as well, against different people.

Rhinos under-18s at training ahead of Sunday's opening game of the season. Picture by Dan Hawkhead/Leeds Rhinos.

“It will happen more often, we can help them out and they can help us out - we are all after the same thing and working for the same club.”

Hannah Butcher has been confirmed

'Their skill's really good': coach impressed as Leeds Rhinos academy and women faced off in training