Loan market hots up in Super League
RUGBY league’s loan market is set to pick up pace this week as clubs and players look at mid-season recruitment.
With four rounds of the Super League season complete, activity is expected to increase as coaches learn more about their squads.
A number of clubs are thought to be actively looking for recruits that could bolster their squad. Among them are Castleford Tigers and London Broncos, who are both winless so far.
Beyond that, Salford Red Devils, who have a small squad, are thought to be keen on adding further depth and amid an injury crisis, Hull FC are also open to bringing in further additions should the right player emerge.
Another important factor is the Championship. clubs in the second tier have been in action for several months now but they have all been in cup competition. Involvement in the Challenge Cup would then make a player ineligible for their parent club, but league action begins this weekend and as a result, a number of deals that have been in the pipeline are expected to be finalised this week.
One long-standing arrangement that has been in place features Leeds forward Tom Nicholsonwatton, who is expected to head to York on loan this week. An agreement has been in place for a while but with Leeds relatively healthy in the pack at present, he is expected to get some experience in the Championship with the Knights.
Clubs with more resourceful squads in Super League are now likely to pursue loan deals for players not currently getting first-team minutes.
Huddersfield Giants coach Ian Watson admitted last week that they may start looking for a loan move for Jake Bibby, who played for their reserves last weekend.
There are other players across Super League in a similar situation.
The only consideration for clubs is the Challenge Cup sixth round, which takes place next week. Any loan deals done before then would likely come on the proviso the player can’t feature in cup competition. Despite that, a number of deals are expected to take place.
There have already been a number of loan deals. Warrington Wolves have loaned out three players; Joe Bullock, Matty Russell and Brad Dwyer, while London Broncos have drafted in Fenton Rogers and Reiss Butterworth from Huddersfield and Hull KR respectively.