It’s been an interesting week in the Super League reserves competition, from surprise inclusions to emphatic results.
The major news to come out of this weekend’s round of fixture saw ex-Leeds, Hull FC and Hull KR full-back Jack Walker run out for Huddersfield Giants.
Walker was one of three players currently contracted to Championship side Oldham to run out for the club, and was joined by new signing Bayley Liu and ex-Bradford man Emmanuel Waine.
The trio couldn’t help the side to victory however, as they were defeated 40-16 by a strong Warrington Wolves outfit.
Elsewhere this week, another shock player has been confirmed to feature, with Ryan Hampshire lining up for Hull KR in the club’s derby against Hull FC.
Hampshire last featured for Featherstone Rovers in 2025, but after the club were not allowed to take part in the 2026 season due to off-field financial issues, he has been left without an active club for the new season.
It has not been confirmed whether Hampshire has landed a trial at the Robins, or whether he is taking a similar role to Walker in that he is just filling in due to lack of players, but Hampshire has been vocal in the past about earning another Super League opportunity before he retires.
However, Hampshire and KR couldn’t earn the victory in that game, as the Black and Whites secured a 26-10 derby day win, as a second half try double from Callum Kemp helped them to the two points.
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Super League reserves round-up:
As well as those two fixtures, three other matches took place this weekend including two games identical to this weekend’s Challenge Cup fixtures.
Wigan Warriors reserves followed their first-team counterparts in victory over Bradford Bulls, with players such as Tom Forber, Harvey Makin and Jonny Vaughan featuring for the Warriors.
Castleford Tigers couldn’t earn victory over St Helens in the Cup, but their reserve side secured a 40-22 away victory over the Red Vee.
Lastly, Leeds Rhinos defeated Leigh Leopards in sensational fashion, as four tries from Riley Lumb helped the Rhinos to a 94-0 victory.
As well as Lumb, the Rhinos side included Super League players Jeremiah Mata’utia, Presley Cassell, Ethan O’Neill, Ben Littlewood and Tom Nicholson-Watton.
