Featherstone Rovers have been striving to join the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens in the Betfred Super League.
For a long time they seemed destined to make their way to the top tier this year but they lost in the semi-finals to eventually promoted London Broncos.
The Broncos had finished fifth in the league and stunned James Ford’s side. However, shortly after this it was confirmed that Ford would be at the club still in 2024 and that they would begin assembling their squad.
They re-signed Gareth Gale and have now re-signed Championship Player of the Year nominee Caleb Aekins.
The fullback joined the club ahead of 2023 after leaving Leigh Leopards following promotion and the signing of Zak Hardaker.
This is a real statement from the Rovers with Aekins certainly Super League calibre based on his two seasons in the Championship.
But he will be secured at the club in 2024 in a major coup for the club.
There has been more transfer business in the Championship from York RLFC.
York retain key man
York Knights have announced that forward Brenden Santi has signed a new deal with the Club for the 2024 season.
Santi arrived at York in June from Keighley Cougars and quickly made a keen impression on Knights supporters.
The prop forward scored three tries in 14 appearances for Andrew Henderson’s side as York reached the Betfred Championship Play-Offs after a remarkable run of 10 wins from their final 11 league matches.
The former Wests Tigers, Toulouse Olympique and Newcastle Thunder front-rower will remain at the LNER Community Stadium for the 2024 season.
On committing to the Knights, Santi said: “I’m really excited for 2024 and I’m delighted to have signed a new deal here with the Club!
“Since coming here from Keighley, it’s felt like home straightaway, coming into a group with a great bunch of lads.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far and we had some real momentum behind us at the back end of last season to reach the Play-Offs.
“Everything that York is about is really exciting for me and I think that we’ve got some unfinished business still following the Play-Offs last year. Hopefully we can go one step further in 2024!”
Head Coach Henderson added: “I’m really pleased to have secured Brenden’s services for the 2024 season and being able to see him continue his journey with the York Knights.
“I did not hesitate in bringing Brenden in when he became available midway through last season, having worked with him before and knowing the type of person and player he is.
“Brenden acquitted himself really well after joining the Club and added real value to our forward pack and made a difference for us at the right time of the season.
“Brenden is another player that wants to be part of our journey and continue to help us grow as part of our Betfred Super League aspirations.”
