Leeds Rhinos winger Derrell Olpherts has completed a surprise immediate move to their West Yorkshire Rivals Wakefield Trinity.
Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that they have agreed to the transfer of winger Derrell Olpherts to Betfred Championship side Wakefield Trinity with immediate effect.
Olpherts, 32, joined the Rhinos from Castleford Tigers last season and has made 14 appearances for the club, scoring four tries. He had not featured this season after a pre-season injury kept him out at the start of the campaign.
Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Rohan Smith said, “I would like to wish Derrell all the best for his move to Wakefield. We fully understand his desire to be playing regular first team rugby and were therefore prepared to grant him the transfer to Wakefield. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank him for his efforts whilst at Leeds.”
Big boost for Wakefield Trinity bringing in Leeds Rhinos star
Wakefield Trinity have secured Derrell Olpherts until the end of the season after his release from Super League side Leeds Rhinos.
The talented outside back will provide depth to a Trinity backline that has been hampered with injuries to Jermaine McGillvary and Iain Thornley.
A veteran of over 100 Super League games, the 32-year old previously played under Wakefield coach Daryl Powell at Castleford.
“I’m extremely excited to be on board with Wakefield for this season. This is my hometown team and I can’t wait to pull on the shirt. I’m looking forward to getting in and meeting the boys and doing what I can to make it a successful year,” Olpherts said about joining Trinity.
“With Jermaine McGillvary getting hurt it left us a little bit light in the outside backs and we ideally needed a big and physical back and Derrell fits that perfectly. He’s strong out of the back field and he will really add to the depth and strength of the squad,” Powell said about the signing. ‘
Salary Cap and Recruitment Manager, Ste Mills said: “We’ve been on the look out for a couple of weeks to strengthen our outside backs and we were pleased to see someone of Derrell’s calibre become available. I’d like to thank Leeds, Gary Hetherington and his agent Kevin Bateman for allowing Derrell to join us.”
Olpherts could be in contention for the game against Bradford Bulls this Friday.
