Leeds Rhinos' England Academy ace Owen Trout's expecting onslaught from Australian Schoolboys at Headingley

England Academy won the opening test 14-8 on Saturday at Leeds and will look to wrap up the series with victory at Emerald Headingley.

But Trout says the home side will need to improve even further to withstand an expected onslaught from the huge Australian pack. The Wakefield-born forward said: “Not many people can say they have beaten the Aussies before. It was a good physical battle which made it an even better feeling to get the win.

“We had been focusing all week on our middles setting the platform for the backs. It was very tough, they have some big players and we knew we needed to lay the platform early on against them. We have to keep focused and maintain that intensity in our training this week so we can take that into the match.”

Trout added, “It will be great to be back at Emerald Headingley on Friday night. It has been a while since I have been there, it is always special to play there but especially with an England jersey on.

“There are not many people who can say they have represented England.

“It will be massive for the young players in the game if we can get the series win.”

He added: “The pathway is really important when we can see the Knights and the young players involved in the Test team. We have started doing the right things and putting the steps in place to take England forward.”

Tickets are £5 for adults for this Friday’s game at Emerald Headingley and FREE for juniors. You can book your ticket now at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or you will be able to pay on the night.