Reserves League makes return for first time since 2019

Josh McAllister
Reserves League

The Reserves League has returned for the first time since the pandemic struck. 

Reserve-grade rugby league was reintroduced in 2020 before being curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, all Super League clubs and a handful of Championship clubs have formed a reserves league for 2022 which returned this weekend.

A 13-team competition will consist of the 12 clubs now running licensed academies as well as Salford.

The same 12 clubs will also field teams in an Under-18s academy competition, which starts on March 12.

Noticeable names

A handful of first-team players featured across the Reserves League this weekend for more game time.

Less than 24-hours after making his Super League debut for Hull KR, Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e featured in their reserves on Saturday. 

Earning number heritage number 1276, the youngster was named at full-back for their clash with Wakefield.

Ethan Ryan and Will Tate also featured for the Robins, who fell to a 42-16 defeat.

For Trinity, half-back Mason Lino was named in the halves. Kelepi Tanginoa, Sadiq Adebiyi and John Davetanivalu also featured.

Louis Senior, Michael Lawrence, George Roby, Olly Wilson, Jack Ashworth and Ollie Roberts all featured for Huddersfield.

They claimed a 22-18 victory over Warrington at Victoria Park. Rob Butler featuring for the Wolves.

On this day: Wests Tigers and Wigan legend Pat Richards was born

Leeds claim win over Wakefield

Leeds impressed with a 52-8 victory over Wakefield to claim their first win in the opening weekend.

A handful of first-team names featured for the Rhinos. Jack Broadbent was named in the centres, while Jack Sinfield partnered Featherstone’s Tom Holmes in the halves.

One man who is glad to have Reserves League back is head coach Chev Walker, who believes the experience benefits the whole group.

He said: “That’s the beauty of reserves. It’s that the young lads get to experience them lads that have a little bit more experience than them.

“That’s a learning it itself in being in and around those boys. Jack Broadbent, Kyle Trout and Tom Holmes coming in, it just gives the group a bit more of a steadier ship and they’re allowed to get out there and go play.”

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Championship Huddersfield Giants