Leeds Rhinos & Wakefield Trinity Squads Named for Derby in Leeds 2026

Key Points

• Major Squad Boosts: Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has welcomed back three instrumental players to his preliminary 21-man squad: captain and centre Ash Handley, veteran winger Ryan Hall, and outside back Alfie Edgell.
• Injury Recoveries: Handley returns after missing two matches following emergency appendicitis surgery. Hall returns after four weeks out with a foot injury sustained during the Magic Weekend victory against Bradford Bulls. Edgell returns after being rested due to a minor hamstring tightness.
• Rhinos Exclusions and Absences: Young centre Ned McCormack drops out of the 21-man list as he undergoes return-to-play protocols following a head injury sustained against Toulouse Olympique. Forward Jeremiah Mata’utia also makes way. Leeds remain without Maika Sivo (arm), Keenan Palasia (foot), Max Simpson (knee), Danny Levi (neck), Ben Littlewood (hamstring), and George Brown (knee).
• Wakefield Trinity Changes: Trinity head coach Daryl Powell has made just one alteration to the 21-man squad that defeated Catalans Dragons in France, welcoming back winger Lachlan Walmsley in place of Jordan Williams.
• Massive Top-of-the-Table Showdown: The West Yorkshire derby represents a crucial first-versus-second clash in the 2026 Betfred Super League table.
• Capacity Crowd Expected: Tickets for the match at the DIY Kitchens Stadium (Belle Vue) are completely sold out for the Friday night encounter (8:00 pm kick-off).
• Season Balanced Evenly: Both sides have registered one victory apiece in their 2026 meetings, with Wakefield knocking Leeds out of the Challenge Cup before Leeds secured revenge at AMT Headingley in May.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) August 5, 2026 – West Yorkshire is preparing for one of the most eagerly anticipated rugby league fixtures of the 2026 Betfred Super League campaign, as leaders Leeds Rhinos travel to face second-placed Wakefield Trinity at a fully sold-out DIY Kitchens Stadium this Friday evening. The stakes could hardly be higher for the top-of-the-table derby, and the pre-match drama has been heightened today following the official announcement of both 21-man squads. Leeds head coach Brad Arthur has delivered a significant boost to the Travelling Loiners by recalling three frontline backs—captain Ash Handley, iconic winger Ryan Hall, and versatile back Alfie Edgell—for the crucial encounter. Meanwhile, Wakefield boss Daryl Powell has opted for maximum consistency, making just a single change to the squad that secured an impressive victory away to Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.

Why Is Friday’s Clash Between Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity So Significant?

The upcoming derby at Belle Vue is not merely a regional rivalry; it stands as a potentially pivotal fixture in determining the destination of the 2026 Super League League Leaders’ Shield. Leeds Rhinos currently occupy top spot in the table, closely pursued by a refreshed Wakefield Trinity side that has established its home ground as a fortress throughout the campaign.

As reported by sports correspondent Callum Walker of Total Rugby League, the intense competition between the two West Yorkshire neighbours has reached fever pitch following a series of tight encounters earlier in the year. The upcoming fixture marks their third meeting of 2026. Trinity struck the first blow of the season by eliminating the Rhinos from the Challenge Cup at Belle Vue, but Leeds answered back with a commanding performance at AMT Headingley in Round 10 of the regular season.

Demand for tickets has broken local records, with Trinity officials confirming earlier today that every seat and terrace space at the DIY Kitchens Stadium has been snapped up. The capacity crowd will create a cauldron-like atmosphere as both clubs seek to solidify their title credentials heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Which Key Players Are Returning For Leeds Rhinos Ahead Of The Derby?

The headline news from Headingley revolves around the return of experienced star power to Brad Arthur’s backline.

As reported by rugby league journalist Louis Chapman-Coombe of Love Rugby League, captain Ash Handley has completed a remarkably swift recovery from emergency appendicitis surgery. The inspirational leader missed Leeds’ previous two matches, but passed stringent medical evaluations earlier this week to take his place in the 21-man selection. Handley’s return provides vital defensive communication in the three-quarter line alongside his proven try-scoring ability on the wing or at centre.

Joining Handley in the squad is veteran winger Ryan Hall. Hall has been sidelined for exactly four weeks after suffering a foot injury during Leeds’ victory over local rivals Bradford Bulls at the Magic Weekend event. Head coach Brad Arthur had previously noted that Hall was “touch and go” for Round 22, but the 38-year-old former England international has proven his fitness in training to earn his spot.

Completing the trio of returnees is young outside back Alfie Edgell, who missed last week’s victory over Toulouse Olympique as a precautionary measure due to minor hamstring tightness. His return gives Arthur flexibility across both the wing and full-back positions.

Who Has Been Excluded From Brad Arthur’s 21-Man Squad?

To accommodate the three incoming players, Brad Arthur has made necessary adjustments to his squad list. Promising young centre Ned McCormack drops out as he adheres strictly to mandatory concussion protocols following a head knock sustained during last week’s fixture against Toulouse Olympique. Forward Jeremiah Mata’utia has also been omitted from the 21-man roster.

Despite the return of key backline figures, Leeds continue to deal with a lengthy injury list across their squad. As confirmed by official media communications from Leeds Rhinos RLFC, the club remains without:

• Maika Sivo (arm injury)
• Keenan Palasia (foot injury)
• Max Simpson (knee injury)
• Danny Levi (neck injury)
• Ben Littlewood (hamstring injury)
• George Brown (knee injury)

Meanwhile, teenage prospect Zak Lloyd has retained his place in the 21-man list following an eye-catching 20-minute debut performance off the bench against Toulouse last Friday.

How Has Daryl Powell Responded With His Wakefield Trinity Selection?

Wakefield Trinity head coach Daryl Powell has elected for consistency as his team prepares to host the league leaders. Following an impressive away victory against Catalans Dragons in France, Powell has made just one change to his 21-man squad.

As detailed in an official press release from Wakefield Trinity RLFC, prolific winger Lachlan Walmsley returns to the squad after being rested for the trip to Perpignan. Walmsley takes the place of Jordan Williams, who steps down to make room for the dangerous wide runner.

Powell’s squad remains packed with experienced Super League performers and high-impact forwards. Star full-back Max Jowitt, former Leeds playmaker Jack Sinfield, international winger Tom Johnstone, and formidable forward Jazz Tevaga have all been named and are expected to feature prominently in Friday night’s battle.

What Is The Confirmed 21-Man Squad Line-Up For Wakefield Trinity?

As published by Wakefield Trinity’s media office, the 21-man squad to face Leeds Rhinos comprises:

1. Max Jowitt
2. Cameron Scott
3. Corey Hall
4. Tom Johnstone
5. Jake Trueman
6. Mike McMeeken
7. Tyson Smoothy
8. Ky Rodwell
9. Matty Storton
10. Jazz Tevaga
11. Jay Pitts
12. Caleb Hamlin-Uele
13. Caius Faatili
14. Harvey Smith
15. Isaiah Vagana
16. Lachlan Walmsley
17. Jack Sinfield
18. Jayden Myers
19. Josh Rourke
20. Tray Lolesio
21. Will Tate

What Is The Full 21-Man Squad Confirmed By Leeds Rhinos?

As confirmed by official club announcements from Leeds Rhinos RLFC, Brad Arthur has selected the following 21 players for Friday’s trip to Belle Vue:

1. Lachie Miller
2. Harry Newman
3. Ash Handley (Captain)
4. Ryan Hall
5. Brodie Croft
6. Jake Connor
7. Mikolaj Oledzki
8. Jarrod O’Connor
9. Tom Holroyd
10. Kallum Watkins
11. James McDonnell
12. Chris Hankinson
13. Cooper Jenkins
14. Cameron Smith
15. Presley Cassell
16. Alfie Edgell
17. Riley Lumb
18. Tom Nicholson-Watton
19. Zak Lloyd
20. Jack Bird

What Do The Head Coaches Say About The Upcoming Derby Encounter?

Both head coaches have recognized the magnitude of Friday’s clash, with both sides seeking momentum ahead of the Super League play-offs.

As reported by Peter Smith of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds boss Brad Arthur emphasized the critical importance of squad depth during this grueling stage of the season. Commenting on the return of his senior stars, Arthur indicated that having leaders like Ash Handley and Ryan Hall back on the field brings an immediate lift in organizational composure and defensive discipline. Arthur stated:

“Having guys like Ash and Ryan back in the group gives everyone a boost. In big games like this away at Wakefield, experience and leadership under pressure are vital.”

On the opposing side, Wakefield Trinity coach Daryl Powell expressed complete confidence in his group’s preparation following their strong showing in France. As reported by Total Rugby League, Powell highlighted the significance of playing in front of a packed home stadium:

“Our fans have been incredible all year, and a sold-out DIY Kitchens Stadium gives the boys an extra gear. Leeds are leading the competition for a reason, but we know what we are capable of when we execute our game plan.”

How Does The 2026 Head-To-Head Record Stand Between Both Teams?

The 2026 campaign has reignited the historical rivalry between Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity, with both clubs claiming bragging rights at different stages of the year.

Trinity took the early advantage in March, putting together a defensive masterclass at Belle Vue to knock Leeds out of the Challenge Cup. However, Leeds delivered an emphatic response during Round 10 of the Super League regular season in May, storming to a 40–22 victory at AMT Headingley behind dominant displays from half-backs Brodie Croft and Jake Connor.

With the season series tied at 1–1, Friday’s match serves as the rubber match for 2026—with the added prize of top spot in the Super League table.

What Are The Broadcaster Details And Match Official Appointments?

The Betfred Super League Round 22 derby between Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos will kick off at 8:00 pm BST on Friday, August 7, 2026 at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.

• Venue: DIY Kitchens Stadium (Belle Vue, Wakefield)
• Kick-off: 8:00 pm BST
• Ticket Status: Completely Sold Out
• Live Broadcast: Sky Sports Action & SuperLeague+

With a capacity crowd set to roar on both teams and key international stars returning to action, Friday night promises to deliver one of the most compelling chapters in West Yorkshire rugby league history.