Seven Leeds Rhinos players have been named in the Yorkshire squad for next month’s two-game academy Origin series against Lancashire

The series opens at HJ Stadium in Warrington on the weekend of September 19/20 and concludes the following Saturday, September 26, at Castleford Tigers’ OneBore Stadium. Leeds players in the Yorkshire under-18s, coached by Castleford’s Rob Nickolay, are Seth Marchant, Thomas Richardson, Zak Lloyd, Robin Smith, Alfie Steel, Jacob Tooala and Sonny Hetherington.

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The 24-strong group also includes Wakefield Trinity’s Corey Abraham, Robbie Brook and Zack Clegg, alongside Sean Coughlan and Max Grinhaff from Castleford. The RFL’s head of England pathways (male) Paul Anderson said: “We’re delighted to get this group of young men together for the two-match Origin series.

Leeds Rhinos' Zak Lloyd, who made his Betfred Super League debut against Toulouse Olympique last month, has been named in the Yorkshire academy squad. Picture by Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Leeds Rhinos' Zak Lloyd, who made his Betfred Super League debut against Toulouse Olympique last month, has been named in the Yorkshire academy squad. Picture by Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com.

“There's some very talented players at our disposal across the competition and there have been some tough choices to make with some excellent players missing out. Those that have been selected will now get chance to step up to the next level.

“The Academy Origin has consistently proved to be a crucial building block for many with the likes of England international Junior Nsemba and fellow current Super League players Harry Robertson, Logan Moy, Presley Cassell, George Whitby and Noah Hodkinson all coming through this pathway.”

Castleford’s Tom Schofield and Alex Bileby of Wakefield will work as Nickolay’s assistants, along with Huddersfield Giants’ Leroy Cudjoe. Both squads will prepare for the series at Leeds Beckett University.

Yorkshire: Jacob Tooala, Thomas Richardson, Seth Marchant, Alfie Steel, Zak Lloyd, Robin Smith, Sonny Hetherington (all Leeds Rhinos), Isaac Holdsworth, Brady Bottomley, Bailey Lund, Tommy Rhodes (all Warrington Wolves), Alex Gorman, Theo Middlemass (both Hull KR), Fin Davies, Caleb Paleaaesina (both Hull FC), Lewis Jagger, Jude Jackson (both Huddersfield Giants), Sean Coughlan, Max Grinhaff (both Castleford Tigers), Corey Abraham, Robbie Brook, Zack Clegg (all Wakefield Trinity), Jovi Bentley-Elliott (Wigan Warriors), Chris Matagi (St Helens).

Lancashire: Sam Dickenson, Shea O’Connor, Lucas Fetherston, Victor Omodele, Tom Farrimond, Lewis Daniels, Evan Buckley, Harrison Pearson, Zak Bielecki, Matthew Halton, Charlie Jeffrey-Stott (all Wigan Warriors), Oliver Bishop, Leyton Hadrell, Edward Williams, Jack Pendlebury, Jamie Coop, Cameron Cooper, Alfie Poles (all Warrington Wolves), Jack Campbell, Tyler McGann, Tyler Mills, James Patterson, Oscar Knox, Toby Bottell (all St Helens).