Leeds Rhinos 1st team trio join Hunslet RLFC on loan including player from side v Hull KR in Las Vegas
Three players from Leeds Rhinos’ first team squad, including one who featured against Hull KR in Las Vegas last weekend, have joined neighbours Hunslet RLFC on an initial one-week loan.
Forwards Ben Littlewood, Tom Nicholson-Watton and Presley Cassell could feature for Hunslet in Sunday’s Betfred Championship fixture at Widnes Vikings. Littlewood was a substitute when Rhinos hammered Hull KR 58-6 at Allegiant Stadium five days ago.
Nicholson-Watton also travelled to the United States, but wasn’t in the matchday 17. Cassell and Nicholson-Watton played for Rhinos at Widnes in a Challenge Cup third round win last month. Rhinos have a near full-strength squad at the moment, with new signing Jack Bird expected to come into contention for Sunday’s home derby against Castleford Tigers.
Hunslet coach Kyle Trout said: “It’s no secret we have been light on bodies, so having the chance to bring in Tom, Ben and Presley was something we moved quickly to do. All three players bring an exciting dynamic to selection this week. They are coming from a quality full-time environment and are all exciting prospects.
“We are grateful to have the three of them in our environment and are looking forward to them helping the group to move forward on the field and for us as a club to help them in their journey as players also.”
Hunslet have also signed Hull FC forward Matty Laidlaw, on a four-week loan. He too could play against Widnes this weekend.