Big names join Leeds Rhinos: sons of Grand Final winners and Castleford Tigers Man of Steel among new intake
Leeds Rhinos have unveiled their latest intake of young players and it features some famous names.
Among the 19 under-14s who will join Rhinos’ scholarship for the next two years are five members of well-known Super League families, including sons of two Rhinos Grand Final winners, a current Leeds coach and Castleford Tigers Man of Steel. The new cohort is: George Andrews, Riley Bogle, Tahi Chase, Eli Condren, Zach Findlay, George Grindley, Abel Grix, Ted Hammond, Eddy Hodgson, Mason Kelly, Noah Lunt, Stanley Lyttle, Ezra Mbega, Oscar Napoli, Tommy Newlove, George Scruton, Logan Spencer, Elijah Tepper and Luis Woods.
George Scruton is son of Rhinos academy graduate Nick Scruton who was a Super League champion with Leeds in 2008 and a World Club Challenge winner the same year. He also played for Hull FC, Bradford Bulls, Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR.
Noah Lunt’s father Shaun Lunt starred in Rhinos’ 2012 Grand Final triumph. His other clubs included Huddersfield Giants and Hull KR and he is now an assistant-coach with Leeds’ reserves.
Abel Grix is son of current Rhinos assistant-coach Scott Grix, a former Ireland captain who played in Super League with Wakefield and Huddersfield. Tahi Chase’s father, England international Rangi Chase, was Man of Steel in 2011 when he played for Castleford Tigers.
Tommy Newlove’s father Richard Newlove played for Wakefield, Featherstone Rovers and Sheffield. His uncle is former St Helens, Bradford and Great Britain international Paul Newlove and his grandad John played for Hull FC.
Seven of the intake come from Yorkshire Junior League Division One leaders Keighley Albion and Normanton Knights and Siddal are represented by three players each. Two others play for Upton and Drighlington, Oulton Raiders, Birstall Victoria and Leeds Underdogs have all provided one. It is the first time a Leeds Underdogs player has signed a Rhinos scholarship contract.
The newcomers will train twice a week at Leeds’ Kirkstall training complex and play for the under-15s, alongside turning out for their community clubs. Rhinos head of youth Darren Higgins said, “We are delighted to welcome the 19 players to the Rhinos.
“The recruitment of these players comes on the back of extensive talent ID work and our Rhinos talent pathway programme, where these players have made a significant impression demonstrating both their character and future potential. Both Mark Butterill and Barry Evans have been instrumental in this process, along with our talent identification team and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation.”
He insisted: “The selection of these players is also a great reflection of their community club environments and the coaching these players have received. As a youth development department, we have an ethos of providing more opportunities for more players for a longer period of time and we will continue to look for talent and potential through continuing to observe community fixtures alongside our various player development and pathway programmes.”
Joining Leeds is “a proud moment for every player and their family and a reward for years of dedication, commitment and hard work”, according to Rhinos head of pathways talent ID Mark Butterill. He said: “I’d like to thank the community clubs, coaches, parents and everyone involved in the players’ development.
“The role they play in helping young players grow both on and off the field is invaluable. A huge thank you also goes to our scouting and talent identification team, who put countless hours into watching games, building relationships and making sure every player is given the opportunity to be seen.
Butterill stressed: “While we celebrate those who have earned a scholarship place, it’s equally important to recognise the many talented players who haven’t been selected this time. Rugby league is a late-maturation sport and every player’s journey is different. Selection at age 14 doesn’t define where a player will finish.
“Our aim is simple: to create opportunities, provide quality coaching and ensure every young player has the chance to develop and fulfil their potential, regardless of where they are on their individual pathway.”