Ex-Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield and Castleford man Derrell Olpherts lands new club

Former Leeds Rhinos winger Derrell Olpherts has landed a new club after exiting Wakefield Trinity at the end of the 2024 campaign.

Olpherts was one of the standout stars in a Wakefield Trinity team that dominated the Championship in 2024 with the winger scoring a whopping 27 tries in just 28 games.

However, with England international and former Trinity player Tom Johnstone returning to the club, 32-year-old Olpherts found himself without a new deal at the club.

That made him one of the more prolific free agents in the Championship and now the former Leeds Rhinos man has landed himself a new club ahead of the upcoming 2025 season.

Featherstone Rovers have announced the signing of Olpherts with the 32-year-old signing a one-year deal at the Millennium Stadium with the Flat Cappers becoming the fourth team that he represents in four years.

Ex-Leeds Rhinos man signs with Featherstone

Olpherts is probably most notable for his time with Castleford Tigers and it was that impressive 2022 season that saw him earn his move to Leeds Rhinos, a transfer that failed to truly work as he made just 14 appearances and scored only four tries.

Having signed a two-year deal with the Headingley club, he was allowed to leave in March of this year and take up a role at Wakefield Trinity, an opportunity that he seized with both hands.

Despite that, Trin allowed the 32-year-old to leave given their signing of Johnstone and the presence of Aussie speedster Lachlan Walmsley but Trin’s loss is Featherstone’s gain.

Speaking on his move, Olpherts said: “I’m really excited to make the switch the Featherstone. I can’t wait to get in on day one and rip into pre-season.

“I’m 32 now, so the opportunity to help mentor some of the younger members of the squad was one thing that really appealed to me.

“This year was one of the best and most consistent of my career so I’m looking to build on that momentum and make a positive impact on a really ambitious club.”

Olpherts will form a backline that features former Hull FC captain Carlos Tuimavave who was also announced as signing for the Championship outfit yesterday.

They have also recently re-signed full-back Caleb Aekins whilst Ben Reynolds has signed on once again meaning the Flat Cappers look like a force for the upcoming campaign.

They’ve also announced another former Wakefield Trinity man with second-rower Toby Boothroyd inking a 12-month deal as well. He’d make just 11 appearances for Daryl Powell’s side in 2024 but his pedigree as a St George Illawarra and Cronulla Sharks junior showcase what a coup he could be for Featherstone.