Leeds Rhinos U18s Pay Tribute to Rob Burrow in Hard-Fought Win against Huddersfield Giants

Leeds Rhinos Under-18s clinched a hard-fought victory, beating the Huddersfield Giants 36-28 at AMT Headingley. Before the main event featuring the Leeds Rhinos against Leigh in honor of the Global MND Awareness Day, the young Rhinos took the opportunity to remember the late Rob Burrow CBE, who contributed to the club as a coach for three years.

To start with, the Leeds Academy side, under the guidance of Tony Smith, made strategic changes, introducing players like Elliott Fox for his Academy debut after a spell of injury. Dylan Hutchinson filled in at full back, while Joe Phillips returned to bolster the forward line after missing the previous game against St Helens due to injury.

The match’s tempo was set early on as the Rhinos scored within three minutes, courtesy of a well-executed play that showcased the team’s skillful handling. Players like Joe Butterfield and George Brown were integral in breaking through the Huddersfield defense, with Brown eventually crossing the line for the opening try.

Throughout the game, key moments defined the flow of play, including Callum Webster’s try in the corner at the 20-minute mark and the Rhinos building a formidable 22-6 lead by halftime, fueled by a combination of strong defense and slick attacking moves.

The second half started emphatically for the young Rhinos, capitalizing on opportunities and extending their lead with tries from players like Hutchinson and Noah Whittingham. While the Giants fought back with scoring plays of their own, the Rhinos maintained their composure and continued to press forward.

As the game reached its climax, the Rhinos showcased their resilience and teamwork, with Harry Taylor‘s try sealing the victory with a final score of 36-28. The match served as a fitting tribute to the late Rob Burrow, with both teams exhibiting exceptional sportsmanship and determination.