Huddersfield Giants boss comments on Leeds Rhinos man links

Rhinos have been linked with former Man of Steel Jackson Hastings, who is out of favour at Newcastle Knights, but a full overseas quota means they would need to let an existing overseas player go to make room for a signing from the NRL.

Frawley – who is out of contract at the end of this season and likely to move on – was dropped from Rhinos’ 17 for last week’s 20-14 home loss to Hull KR, sparking speculation Rhinos may be willing to let the Australian go in mid-season.

Leeds yesterday signed Huddersfield winger Elliot Wallis on a one-month loan and Robinson was asked at his weekly preview press conference if Frawley – who played for Giants in 2019 – could be heading the other way.

Luke Robinson on Leeds Rhinos’ Matt Frawley

“We are always in talks,” the Giants coach confirmed. “It’s no secret that for the last however many weeks we’ve had makeshift halves.

“I think we played with three or four full-backs only a few weeks ago, so I don’t think it would be any surprise to anybody we are in the open market and asking about any half that’s available.

“He was somebody who came up that could potentially be. He seems to have found himself down the pecking order a little bit at Leeds.

“There was an option, but at this moment in time it’s not something that’s come to fruition – nor has anybody else we spoke to.”

Of why no deal has been done, Robinson added: “When you are looking for people on loan or to sign and they are already at a club, it’s a little bit of too-ing and fro-ing, deciding what works best for both parties.

“Everybody wants a little bit of what works best for them and it has been the same with every player we’ve chased – it has always been whether we can make it work for us as well as the parent club.

“On that note as well, we’ve got Adam Clune coming back in. He is our director and chief general and him coming into the side alleviates a little bit of pressure.

“We could still do with some pressure relieving until Tui [Lolohea] is back fit and raring to go and Niall Evalds.

“They add a wealth of experience to our spine. We are always looking, but at the moment, it has not come to fruition.”