London Broncos have added to their squad with a loan move for Hull KR hooker Reiss Butterworth, initially on a two-week deal.
It’s the most recent in a string of loan moans of late with Hull FC having brought in Warrington Wolves duo Joe Bullock and Matty Russell, whilst there has already been another number nine make a loan switch.
Leigh Leopards brought in Brad Dwyer, also from Warrington, to replace injured star Edwin Ipape who limped off the field just nine minutes into the season.
London Broncos will now add Butterworth to their ranks with the 25-year-old making the switch with immediate effect, as confirmed by Hull KR.
The Robins released a statement with the news: “Hull KR can confirm Reiss Butterworth has joined fellow Super League side, London Broncos on a two-week loan with immediate effect.
“The 25-year-old impressed for the Robins during pre-season and in the side’s friendlies against Sheffield Eagles and Leeds Rhinos after joining in the off-season from Dewsbury Rams.
“Reiss will head down to London and add further steel to the Broncos’ options at hooker while gaining Super League experience with the competition’s newly-promoted side.”
London Broncos strengthen in search for their first win
Mike Eccles’ side came very close to their first win of the season on Sunday when they fell short against Hull FC in the dying embers of the game.
It was a back and forth affair but ultimately London Broncos were defeated 28-24, despite going in front by a score of 24-22 with just five minutes to play.
Robbie Storey’s intercept try looked to have secured the two points but a moment of magic combined with tired London legs allowed Morgan Smith to dance through from dummy-half in the 79th minute.
The Broncos welcome Wigan Warriors to the capital tomorrow and it’s not likely that Butterworth will feature, but he could still be named in their 21-man squad.
He will however be available for them next week when they welcome Warrington Wolves to town.
Butterworth signed for Rovers in the off-season but behind both Jez Litten and Matt Parcell, this will allow him to gain experience and also allow Willie Peters to assess his options at hooker moving forward with Parcell off contract at the end of the season.
It also means that London can add depth and competition to the position after youngster Bill Leyland was lost for the season with an injury just days before the campaign started.
London Broncos have since confirmed the news themselves via social media, releasing a statement that read: “London Broncos can confirm a deal has been with Hull KR for the arrival of Reiss Butterworth for an initial two week loan.
“The 25-year old hooker has joined up with Mike Eccles’ squad with immediate effect and is available for selection for the weekend tie with Wigan Warriors.
“Butterworth started his career at Bradford Bulls breaking through into the first team as a teenager. Then followed a move to Huddersfield Giants where he would make two Super League appearances before a move to Dewsbury Rams in 2021.
“Last season in Dewsbury’s successful League One season, Butterworth was named the League One Player of the Year.”
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