Leigh Leopards confirm triple transfer

Leigh Leopards have confirmed that three of their young talents have headed out on loan deals as the club flexes their depth in year two of their rebrand.

During the 2023 season, Leigh Leopards boasted the smallest squad in Super League and had to utilise the loan market themselves, but owing to their great success which has led to heightened recruitment, they’re now able to become the loaner as opposed to the loanee.

The club have confirmed that three young forwards, two of whom they signed ahead of the current season, will head out on two-week loan deals.

Louis Brogan and Jacob Gannon will head to Swinton Lions whilst Kavan Rothwell will join Barrow Raiders with all three deals being initial two-week loans that could be further extended as and when.

The Leopards confirmed the news via their website where they released a statement that read: “Leigh Leopards can confirm that a trio of young forwards have joined Betfred Championship clubs on initial two week loan deals.

“Louis Brogan (Leigh Fans) and Jacob Gannon (Champion Group) join Swinton Lions while Kavan Rothwell moves to Barrow Raiders.”

“Mutually beneficial moves” – Leigh Leopards trio depart on loan

It’s a major testament to how much Leigh Leopards have improved that they can now become a feeder team to Championship sides when just over one year ago they were still competing in the competition themselves.

That success of 2024 led to improved recruitment and retention which now pays dividends in terms of the club being afforded the luxury to blood their young talent in a more suited environment such as the Championship via these loan deals.

That’s certainly the belief of Head of Rugby Chris Chester who explained: “These moves are mutually beneficial as they give the players valuable game time in a very good standard of competition while also helping the clubs concerned. I’m looking forward to watching how Louis, Jacob and Kavan fare over their time at Swinton and Barrow respectively.