Rhinos’ unprecedented success from 2004-2017 was built around an exceptional group of players who had progressed through the club’s own system - and the current crop waiting in the wings are reckoned to be the best since then. Several have already had a taste of Super League, but there are others now starring for the under-18s and reserves who Rhinos expect to step up over the next few years. Here’s a team of young players from outside Leeds’ current top-20 squad numbers who could be wearing blue and amber at the top level in five years’ time.
7. Stand-off: George Brown
Big things are expected by Leeds of the teenage play-maker, who memorably scored the decisive try in last year’s Boxing Day win against Wakefield Trinity. Photo: David Harrison
8. Scrum-half: Fergus McCormack
The talented half-back has been training with Rhinos’ first team for a couple of years and is regarded at Leeds as someone with a long-term future at the top level. Photo: Tony Johnson
9. Jayemm Oladipupo
Called into the England academy squad a year ago, the powerful former West Bowling junior has impressed for Rhinos' reserves this season. Photo: Craig Hawkhead/Leeds Rhinos
10. Hooker: Joe Diskin
Son of three-time Grand Final-winning hooker Matt Diskin, the teenager has switched from full-back and caught the eye with his performances at academy and reserve level this year, as well as featuring for the first team in pre-season. Photo: Tony Johnson
11. Prop: Tom Nicholson-Watton
With nine first team appearances to his name, the big front-rower has shown he can handle himself at Super League level. Photo: Tony Johnson
12. Second-row: Ben Littlewood
Played once for the first team in 2024, the 20-year-old has been injured since pre-season, but is nearing fitness and could push for a spot in the second half of the campaign. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com