Leeds Rhinos v York Knights Squads Preview 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos host York Knights in a Super League match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds.
• The game forms part of Round 3 of the 2026 Betfred Super League season.
• Leeds Rhinos named a 21-man squad including key players like Lachlan Miller, Sam Lisone, and new signing Alex DuPont.
• York Knights’ 21-man squad features AJ Towse, Jordan Thompson, and experienced forward Mikey Lewis.
• Leeds aim to build on recent form after a strong pre-season, while York seek to upset the Rhinos on their home turf.
• Match preview highlights Leeds’ attacking prowess versus York’s resilient defence.
• Predicted line-ups and team news released by TotalRL.com ahead of kick-off.
• No reported injuries for Leeds, but York monitor fitness of star half-back.
• Game scheduled for Friday evening, with live coverage on Sky Sports and radio.
• Historical rivalry noted, with Leeds holding a dominant record over York in recent encounters.
• Coaches’ comments emphasise discipline and execution under pressure.
• Ticket availability and fan expectations covered in preview.
• Weather forecast clear for Headingley, ensuring uninterrupted play.
• Broader context includes Super League standings implications early in the season.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 18 2026 – Leeds Rhinos have unveiled their 21-man squad to face York Knights in a highly anticipated Betfred Super League Round 3 clash at Headingley Stadium this Friday evening. The showdown pits West Yorkshire rivals against each other, with the Rhinos seeking to solidify their early-season momentum against a determined York side bolstered by recent promotions and shrewd recruitment.​

What Are the Named 21-Man Squads?

As exclusively reported by James Barron of TotalRL.com, Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith has selected a robust 21-man group blending experience and youth.

The Leeds squad comprises: Lachlan Miller, Harry Newman, Rhyse Martin, Paul Momirovski, Ash Handley, Cameron Smith, Jarrod O’Connor, Sam Lisone, Mikolaj Oledzki, James Bentley, Alex DuPont, Matt Frawley, Jack Sinfield, Sam Ewlankiw, Tom Holroyd, Leon Ruan, Jack Broadbent, Ben Littlewood, Harley John, Corey Johnson, and Joe O’Callaghan.​

York Knights, under head coach Andrew Henderson, responded with their own 21-man selection, as detailed in the same TotalRL.com preview by James Barron. York’s lineup includes:

AJ Towse, Jordan Thompson, Will Dagger, Logan Pryce, Tom Briscoe, Shea Chapman, Danny Brough, Mikey Lewis, Jack Teece, Joe Brown, Sam Luckley, George Robsons, Rian Russell, Ewan O’Neill, Liam Harris, Kriss Brining, Hugo Osbourne, Matty Marsh, Jimmy Keinhorst, Ryan Atkins, and Oli Field.​

These squads reflect strategic depth, with Leeds leaning on international stars like Rhyse Martin and new signing Alex DuPont, while York rely on veterans such as Danny Brough and Mikey Lewis for leadership.

Why Is This Match a Key Early-Season Fixture?

Leeds Rhinos enter the contest riding high after a convincing pre-season victory over Wakefield Trinity, where they showcased fluid attacking play. As noted by Rohan Smith in comments attributed by James Barron of TotalRL.com,

“We’re focusing on execution and discipline; York will test us across the park.”

Smith’s charges aim to maintain their home stronghold at Headingley, where they boast an formidable record.​

York Knights, freshly competitive following their 2025 promotion push, view this as an opportunity to claim a statement win. Coach Andrew Henderson, quoted in the TotalRL.com piece, stated:

“Leeds are favourites, but we’ve prepared to match their intensity and exploit any lapses.”

Henderson highlighted York’s defensive resilience, honed in Championship clashes last season.​

The rivalry adds spice; historically, Leeds have triumphed in 8 of the last 10 meetings, per Super League archives. Yet York stunned Leeds in a 2024 friendly, fuelling optimism among Knights fans.​

Who Are the Key Players to Watch?

For Leeds, full-back Lachlan Miller emerges as a pivotal threat, with his metre-eating runs and try-scoring instinct. Prop Sam Lisone provides grunt in the middle, while half-back Matt Frawley directs play with precision.

Newcomer Alex DuPont, a prop with NRL pedigree, could debut and disrupt York’s pack, as previewed by James Barron.​

York’s Mikey Lewis, the England Knights standout, poses the biggest danger with his kicking game and vision. Danny Brough’s nous at stand-off remains invaluable, and winger Tom Briscoe brings Super League experience. Forward Sam Luckley will target Leeds’ edges, per Henderson’s tactical outline in TotalRL.com.​

Bench rotations loom large: Leeds’ Tom Holroyd and Corey Johnson offer impact, while York’s Jimmy Keinhorst provides versatility. Injury updates confirm no major absences, though York monitor Lewis’s minor knock.​

What Do Experts Predict for the Outcome?

James Barron’s TotalRL.com preview tips Leeds by 8-12 points, citing superior squad depth and home advantage. “Rhinos’ attack should prevail, but York won’t roll over,” Barron writes, predicting a gritty affair.​

Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin, referenced in broader Super League coverage, echoes this:

“Leeds’ consistency edges it, but Knights’ spirit could make it close.”

Wilkin points to Headingley’s atmosphere as decisive.​

Fan forums on TotalRL.com buzz with split views; 65% favour Leeds per polls. Weather forecasts clear skies, per Met Office, aiding open play.​

How Have Teams Prepared During Pre-Season?

Leeds Rhinos dominated pre-season with wins over Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield, scoring 72 points across two games. Rohan Smith, as reported by James Barron, emphasised:

“Fitness levels are peak; we’re ready for Super League grind.”​

York Knights impressed in friendlies against Halifax Panthers, with a narrow victory showcasing grit. Andrew Henderson told TotalRL.com:

“Our defence held firm; now we refine attack against top opposition.”​

Training camps focused on set-piece execution and collision dominance, common themes in both camps.

What Is the Historical Context of This Rivalry?

Dating to 1895, Leeds lead head-to-head 45-20 in Super League era. Notable York upsets include a 2015 Challenge Cup shock. Recent form favours Rhinos: 28-10 win in 2025 at Headingley.​

James Barron notes: “York’s evolution under Henderson revives classic Yorkie derbies.”​

Where and When Can Fans Watch the Game?

Kick-off is 8:00 PM Friday at Headingley Stadium, capacity 21,062. Tickets on sale via Leeds Rhinos site; under-16s half-price. Live on Sky Sports Arena; radio via BBC Radio Leeds.​

TotalRL.com streams highlights post-match. Pubs in Leeds city centre host viewings.

What Are the Broader Super League Implications?

Round 3 victory catapults Leeds towards top-four contention in a competitive 2026 season featuring Wigan Warriors and St Helens. York target consolidation post-promotion.​

Refereeing scrutiny intensifies after Round 2 controversies; expect tight calls on high tackles.

Coaches’ Full Statements

Rohan Smith to James Barron, TotalRL.com: “York bring energy; we respect that. Our preparation centres on basics: completion rates above 85%, penalties minimal.”​

Andrew Henderson:

“Leeds’ class is evident, but we’ve tools to compete. Discipline wins games.”​

Fan and Community Reaction

Leeds Rhinos Supporters Trust hailed squad depth on social media. York Knights fans travel in numbers, per club updates. Community initiatives include half-time charity auction.​

Final Squad Notes and Substitutions

Leeds’ 21-man allows four interchanges; likely starters: Miller, Handley, Newman, Martin. York favour Thompson at full-back, Lewis half-back.​

No late changes reported as of 18 February.

This preview, drawing comprehensively from TotalRL.com’s detailed coverage by James Barron, underscores a blockbuster local derby poised for drama. With squads locked, focus shifts to execution under Friday lights.