Leeds Rhinos news: decision made on Hull FC loan duo
Leeds Rhinos duo Ethan O’Neill and Jeremiah Mata’utia have had their loans at Hull FC extended.
The overseas pair both joined Rhinos in pre-season, but have been unable to nail down a regular place in coach Brad Arthur’s side with O’Neill playing only four times and Mata’utia making just two substitute appearances.
Prop Mata’utia, who joined Rhinos from North Queensland Cowboys, was loaned to Hull in April, initially on a week-by-week basis and has gone on to feature five times for the East Yorkshire club. O’Neill, a back-rower signed from Leigh Leopards, joined him the following month, making his third appearance during last Friday’s loss at Warrington Wolves.
Both players were on a one-month loan and that has now been extended for a similar period, though Rhinos can recall them at any time. Most of Rhinos’ first-choice squad are fit with only full-back Lachie Miller (suspended), centre Jack Bird (knee) and prop Tom Holroyd (back) unavailable for last week’s home showdown with St Helens.
Injury-hit Hull have also brought in prop Max Wood on a month-long loan from Warrington Wolves.