Coach Rohan Smith used the occasion to give three senior players – Mikolaj Oledzki, James Donaldson and Leon Ruan – some game time after long-term injury and also blood a posse of emerging prospects, three of them aged just 17, against experienced Betfred Championship opposition.
Bulls, whose season begins next weekend, were too strong, scoring six tries to two, but Leeds showed good signs. Here’s how selected players rated. Others on the bench, all of whom got on at some stage, were Dylan Proud, Freddie Brennan-Jones, Mason Corbett, Oliver Smart, Leo Aliyu and Harrison Gilmore.
2. Wing: Derrell Olpherts
Scored and came in-field to make some strong carries early in the tackle count 6 Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
3. Centre: Ned McCormack
Didn’t see a lot of ball, but was assured defensively and looked like he’s adapting well to league after switching codes 6 Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
4. Centre: Luis Roberts
Had a good game, scored and worked hard in defence 7 Photo: Steve Riding
5. Centre: Jack Smith
Reacted well to set up Roberts’ try; made a superb one-on-one tackle to deny Bulls a touchdown 6 Photo: Steve Riding
6. Stand-off: Corey Johnson
Was steady at stand-off, but looked more effective when he switched to hooker 6 Photo: Steve Riding