Boss Chev Walker was pleased to see his young Leeds Rhinos side disappointed after their 26-10 loss at Castleford Tigers in Brad Singleton’s testimonial game.

Rhinos’ 21-man squad included only two players - prop Tom Nicholson-Watton and second-row Ben Littlewood - with Betfred Super League experience. The rest were from the reserves or academy, including some first year under-18s straight out of the scholarship.

Leeds Rhinos beaten at Castleford Tigers in Brad Singleton testimonial game desp...

Leeds scored first in each half through Tom Richardson and a sensational solo effort by Oscar Brown and trailed only 12-10 with 13 minutes left, before Tigers – who also fielded a young team – ran in three later tries. Walker, Leeds’ transition coach who is also in charge of the reserves, said: “The boys are disappointed, they look too far into results, not where they are actually at on their journey.

Harley Thomas on the attack for Leeds Rhinos at Castleford. Picture by Steve Riding.

placeholder image — Harley Thomas on the attack for Leeds Rhinos at Castleford. Picture by Steve Riding.

“Singo is coming towards the end of his journey and it’s right at the beginning for these boys. They beat themselves up about the result when really, it’s about their development - especially the first year academy lads.

“It was a good experience for them to get a feel of the tempo and the difference between scholarship and academy. I am pleased with their attitude towards it and it’s pleasing they are disappointed, it shows there is some kind of winner in there.”

Walker also felt Nicholson-Watton and Littlewood will take positives from the game. “It was a good opportunity for some of the young lads to get in there with them and for Tom and Ben to show some leadership,” he said.