Ex-Leeds Rhinos & York Knights man linked with St Helens makes surprise move to West Yorkshire amateurs
A former top Leeds Rhinos academy prospect has made a surprise move into the community game.
Levi Edwards appeared at left-centre for Dewsbury Moor in their 24-22 Betfred Challenge Cup first round defeat at Stanningley. The result means Stanningley will play host to Hunslet RLFC at Arthur Miller Stadium in a round two derby on Saturday.
Edwards, who scored a superb solo try for Moor, joined Rhinos’ full-time squad straight from the scholarship ahead of the 2021 campaign. The Dewsbury-born back made his professional debut that year on loan with Batley Bulldogs and, after scoring four tries in five appearances, was called into the England Knights squad for their autumn international against Jamaica, though he didn’t play.
He had a loan spell with York Knights in 2022 and joined them on a three-year contract the following February. Though his time at York was disrupted by a long-term knee injury, St Helens confirmed an “interest” in Edwards last season. However, he has now dropped out of the professional game and is regaining fitness - and his love for the sport - at amateur level.
Edwards and Moor appeared to be heading for a showdown with Hunslet when they led 10-0 at half-time against Stanningley, through tries by Will Clarkson and Taireeq Garrick, plus a George Woodcock conversion. However, the hosts roared back after the break with Dylan
MacAndrew, Jeremy Wiscombe, Jack Vincent and Jack Sykes crossing and Zac Clayton adding two conversions to make it 20-10 on the hour.
Edwards’ try, improved by Woodcock, gave Moor hope, but Stanningley seemed home and dry when McAndrew bagged his second with 15 minutes remaining. Stanningley’s Sam Peel had been sin-binned for dissent moments before Garrick’s try for the visitors and they were down to 12 men again five minutes from time when former Hunslet player Fraser Stroud was yellow-carded for a dangerous lift. Woodcock took advantage to cross and convert and Stanningley were reduced to 11 in the next set as Alfie Peach joined Stroud in the sin-bin, following a high tackle, but desperate defence ensured Moor couldn’t find a winning try.
Leeds-based Woodhouse Warriors’ hopes of a home second round tie against Goole Vikings were dashed when they lost 38-4 to visitors Mirfield Spartans. Lathaniel Fowler scored Warriors’ try. Lewis Toner and Jamie McCarthy each bagged a brace for Mirfield, whose other try scorers were Dylan Waterworth, who also kicked two goals, James Pickering, Kian Morgan and Spencer Peel. Brad Jones added a conversion.
Castleford outfit Lock Lane will play host to Challenge Cup holders and treble-winners Hull KR in the third round on the weekend of February 7-8 following a 42-6 defeat of Brighouse Rangers. The winners of the round one tie had been due to play Featherstone Rovers, who have been expelled from the competition, in the second stage.
Rangers went ahead through Andrew Esmond’s try, converted by Karl Frankland, but Lewis
Price grabbed a hat-trick for Lane, Kyle Cranswick crossed twice and other scorers were Connor Jordan, Morgan Jones and Rob Jowett. Nathan Fozzard kicked four goals and Jordan landed one.