Former Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity men on the move to Championship clubs
Former Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity players have joined new clubs.
Prop King Vuniyayawa, who spent the 2021 season at Leeds, has signed for Championship side Oldham on a two-year deal, with an option for 2029. The Fiji-born 31-year-old moved from Rhinos to Salford and had stints with Hull FC and Featherstone Rovers before moving to Newcastle Thunder 12 months ago.
He scored seven tries in 18 games as they finished second in the Championship this year and also played six times for York Knights in Super League. Oldham coach Alan Kilshaw, a former Hunslet RLFC boss, said: “King is a player with a wealth of experience at the highest level.
“He is someone who will add real quality, size and physicality to our forward pack. Having spoken with him it was clear he was excited by the direction the club is heading and what we are looking to achieve. He’s hungry to be part of something successful and that was a big factor for me.”
Prop Eddie Battye, who played for Wakefield from 2021-23, has linked up with Birmingham Hurricanes on a one-season contract after spending this year at Hunslet RLFC. The 35-year-old has also played for Sheffield Eagles, Villeneuve Leopards and London Broncos.
Hurricanes coach Mark Dunning said: “Eddie is a player we have attempted to recruit for the last two seasons. To finally have him onboard at the third attempt is great.
“Eddie is a big, strong man, who has been there, seen it and done it at this level and Super League, so his leadership and experience will be great for our squad. He brings a point of difference to our middle-unit with his detail, skill as well as his size and strength.”
Trinity academy product Dom Sinfield has signed for second-tier Batley Bulldogs. The centre was a regular in Trinity’s reserves, but didn’t make a first team appearance.
Huddersfield Giants have appointed Dave Wilson as head of performance. Wilson was an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Rhinos from 2016-2019 and has also been on the staff at Featherstone Rovers. He replaces Gareth Whittaker who is now with Castleford Tigers.