New signings Lachie Miller, Matt Frawley and Andy Ackers are set to pull on a Leeds jersey for the first time in the annual Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge. Rhinos’ 21 for the game also includes familiar faces from the established squad, along with a handful of highly-rated youngsters who have been training with the senior group.
Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe was invited to a training session at Rhinos’ Kirkstall base this week. Here’s 17 images of preparations for next Tuesday’s pre-season opener.
7. Derrell Olpherts
Former Castleford Tigers winger Derrell Olpherts is in Rhinos' squad for the Boxing Day visit of his hometown club Wakefield Trinity. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
8. Fergus McCormack
Teenage half-back Fergus McCormack (with ball) has been included in Rhinos' 21 for Boxing Day. Still at school, he is training with the full-time group, but has yet to be awarded a squad number. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
9. Ned McCormack
Former England under-18s rugby union international Ned McCormack, a centre or winger, is set to feature for Rhinos on Boxing Day, alongside younger brother Fergus. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
10. Matt Frawley
Aussie half-back Matt Frawley will make his first appearance for Leeds in the Boxing Day Festive Challenge meeting with Wakefield Trinity. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
11. Kieran Hudson
Kieran Hudson, a new signing from Castleford Tigers, is nearing the end of his recovery from an Achilles injury which kept him out of the entire 2023 season. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
12. Riley Lumb
Highly-rated full-back Riley Lumb (second from left), turned 19 on Monday and is seen training alongside (from left to right) Jack Sinfield, Lee Kershaw, Kai Irvine - a 16-year-old half-back who joined Rhinos' scholarship in 2023 - and Derrell Olpherts. The red cross indicates a player returning from injury. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe