Leeds Rhinos star could be set for Championship switch

Leeds Rhinos officially announced the signing of Kieran Hudson, a 23-year-old promising talent from Castleford Tigers in November.

The prop, who was born in Sunderland, had previously played for Newcastle Thunder and Whitehaven before being given an opportunity to play in Super League with Castleford. However, he had to sit out last season due to an Achilles injury. Hudson has now recovered from the injury and is back to full fitness. His signing with AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium will allow him to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, John Holmes. Although Holmes passed away in 2009, he still holds the record for the most appearances for the club, having played 625 games over two decades for his hometown team.

Hudson’s path to professional Rugby League has been somewhat unconventional. He began his sporting career as a goalkeeper for AFC Sunderland before switching to Rugby League with Newcastle.

Commenting on signing for Leeds, Hudson said at the time: “I am excited to be at the Rhinos, the club is a big part of my family and it is great to have finally signed. John Holmes was my grandad but growing up in Sunderland we probably never really appreciated how massive John had been here at Leeds but we always knew about it in the background. I always remember asking him about whether he would take us to a game and he always joked that he couldn’t go before he would be too tempted to pull his boots on again!

“I started playing football for Sunderland from when I was 9 until I was 16 then moved to Rugby League with Newcastle. Any professional team you have to work hard to get where you want to be, from a young age, I have had that professionalism engrained in me and I am ready to work hard for myself and my family,” added Hudson.

Leeds Rhinos boss says Hudson could make a move to Championship

Hudson arrived at the club with an achilles injury and Rohan Smith has suggested that he could have a small stint in the Championship to get him up to speed.

Speaking on Hudson, Smith said: “After that one appearance against Hunslet he went into what was like a mini pre-season. He’s been training really hard to get ready to play reserves against Leigh Leopards.

“Then we’ll get him ready for Super League or maybe a stint in the Championship.”