The result went against them, but Leeds Rhinos took a major positive for the future from their 15-14 derby defeat at Wakefield Trinity.

Mason Lino’s last-gasp drop goal dashed Rhinos’ hopes of climbing to third in Betfred Super League and going level on points with second-placed Wigan Warriors.

But with five key forwards ruled out, Rhinos gave extended game time to 18-year-old Presley Cassell in only his second senior match and the Yorkshire academy back-rower underlined his massive potential with an eye-catching performance off the bench.

Cassell, who made his Rhinos’ debut six days earlier in a win over Salford Red Devils, is regarded by Leeds’ management as one of the most promising youngsters to come through their system since the golden generation – who won eight Grand Finals – two decades ago.

He was on the field for 50 minutes across two spells and Rhinos coach Brad Arthur was delighted with the rookie’s strong-running effort.

“He was good,” an otherwise disappointed Arthur enthused. “We took a bit of a chance, he went on as second change and did really well.

“Before I knew it, I looked up and it was 20 minutes into the second half. He didn’t look tired or fatigued and I probably didn’t need to take him off, but it was a good opportunity to get some fresh legs out there.”

Leeds Rhinos’ injury issues explained

Rhinos picked up two new concerns, losing scrum-half Jake Connor to a failed head injury assessment and winger Alfie Edgell with a foot injury.

Connor is expected to be available for the four-pointer at third-placed Leigh Leopards in two weeks’ time, but Edgell could face a long layoff.

Though Connor has been Leeds most influential player this season, Arthur refused to use his injury as an excuse.

He said: “It doesn’t help, but it’s not a reason or excuse for why we couldn’t get the job done in the second half.

“Jake can’t control us turning the ball over out of red zone with a couple of silly pushed passes or lapses of concentration. I don’t think it mattered a great deal.”

On Edgell, he added: “He will need to have a scan, it got progressively worse to the stage where he couldn’t run. They don’t know if it’s ligaments or a fracture.”

Heart break for the Rhinos at the death as Wakefield take the win with a last gasp drop goal
FULL TIME
Trinity 15 – 14 Rhinos
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— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) July 24, 2025