One-week loan system gives Super League a “bad look” says Sky Sports pundit after Harry Newman’s Hull FC switch

The Super League loan system has come under some scrutiny, with Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin saying that it is a “bad look” on the sport at the top level.

As it stands, clubs can secure loan players for just one week, meaning they can easily bring in bodies should they have positions to fill due to injury or otherwise.

The ruling was changed in the off-season. Last year clubs had to bring in loans for a minimum of two weeks, but that was changed to allow players to spend just one game at a club rather than two.

St Helens and Hull FC, two teams who faced off last night with Saints getting the victory, have both used this rule to their advantage over the past two Super League rounds, and whilst it has proved effective for the clubs, Wilkin believes it reflects badly on the competition.

Harry Newman is the most recent player to make a short-term switch, having joined Hull FC from Leeds Rhinos ahead of last night’s game.

The England international currently finds himself down the pecking order at Leeds, and headed out on loan to find minutes at the top level.

Sky pundit and Leeds CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan explained the move from a Rhinos point of view, saying: “He’s a world class player. We know exactly what he can do.

“Jack Bird’s come in, he’s been great for the Leeds Rhinos. He’s made a big impact and it’s really important that he keeps that momentum.

“Harry gets on the field, he’s here with the likes of Aidan Sezer, Tom Briscoe, Sam Lisone, some mates that he’s played with.

“He’s coming out. He’s having a bit of fun. He’s given some good game time under his belt and it’s a one-week loan.

That led to former St Helens man Wilkin giving his verdict. The ex-back-rower said: “It’s a weird look. It’s a weird look.

“On Good Friday, we saw Bill Leyland and Jordan Dezaria play [for St Helens].

“I think it’s a strange look in a top level competition that you have to bring somebody in for a week.

“What does that say about coaching? You can bring an athlete in for one week and expect them to deliver and fit into a system and structure.

“I think it’s a bad look on where our game’s at, that we have to bring week-long loans in from other clubs, rather than promote our own juniors.”

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