Exclusive: West Yorkshire club addresses Hull FC’s Jamie Shaul rumour

With the signing of Jack Walker and Jake Connor, it’s fair to say that Jamie Shaul is on the periphery at the MKM Stadium.

After losing his fullback spot to Connor when Brett Hodgson first came to the Black and Whites, Shaul has had to patiently wait in the wings for an opportunity.

But, with the signing of Leeds Rhinos loanee Jack Walker until the end of the season, Shaul will be feeling his days left at the MKM Stadium are numbered.

Rugby League Live revealed earlier in the week that the wily fullback has been offered to Wakefield Trinity and Featherstone Rovers, but Serious About Rugby League can reveal that Featherstone are not in the running for his signature.

A spokesperson for the Rovers club revealed there ‘was nothing in it’ as preparations continue under Brian McDermott in an attempt to claw back the deficit to Leigh Centurions at the top of the Championship table.

The Centurions have opened up a three-point gap at the top, with Rovers unable to cope with their physicality and speed when the two sides met last month in the league and in May at the 1895 Cup Final.

McDermott’s position has also come under scrutiny recently, but after being contacted by Serious About Rugby League, a senior spokesman at the West Yorkshire club has completely dismissed any notion of that, stating: “There’s absolutely nothing in it.”

Naturally, there will be pressure on McDermott to turn it around just like he did in 2017, with the former Leeds Rhinos boss winning the Grand Final once more – a year after surviving the Middle 8s following a dismal season in 2016.

McDermott and Featherstone will also have to contend with a spirited Halifax Panthers and York City Knight who are closing the gap to Rovers in second in the Championship table.