Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that four of their emerging players will head out on loan this weekend in a bid to find game time.
The Rhinos join Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves in sending youngsters to the Championship, with no reserves fixtures meaning that players are keen to build their fitness.
Tom Nicholson-Watton and Zak Lloyd will re-join Hunslet on loan. The pair have played at the South Leeds side this season already, and will link up with Kyle Trout’s side yet again as they prepare to face Barrow Raiders.
Joe Diskin, son of former Leeds man, Matt, will join Keighley Cougars. The playmaker scored four tries in a reserves victory over Leigh Leopards last weekend.
Diskin will be joined by Jacob Stead at the club. Neither of those have made their Super League debuts just yet, however a successful stint in the second tier could bolster their chances in featuring in Brad Arthur’s side.
Wakefield Trinity trio make Championship moves
Half-back Myles Lawford was set for an initial season-long loan at Halifax, and made that move prior to the season starting. However, Fax’s liquidation meant that he returned to Daryl Powell’s side prematurely.
With the Panthers now being back up and running, Lawford will again make the move to The Shay, however it will only be on a week-to-week basis as opposed to a season-long switch.
He will be joined by teammate Kian McGann at the club. The former Saints academy man can play a number of positions across the backs, and provides excellent versatility to Kyle Eastmond’s side.
Elsewhere, Ellis Lingard will join second tier side Dewsbury Rams on a short-term basis, as he looks to continue his development into a senior player.
Lingard has only made two first team appearances under Daryl Powell, with his first actually coming against Dewsbury in 2024.
He made his Super League debut in 2025, featuring off the bench against Salford Red Devils.
The forward scored two tries in a 72-10 victory, though failed to make any other top flight appearances that season.
Lingard made three appearances for local side Batley Bulldogs last season towards the end of the campaign, but couldn’t help the side to victory in any of the contests.
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Warrington Wolves man makes loan switch
Also on the move this week is Warrington forward Tom McKinney, who has joined Oldham RLFC on a week’s loan.
The 19-year-old will be available for selection for the club’s Championship tie with Sheffield Eagles this weekend.
McKinney made his Super League debut for the Wolves last year against Salford in August and has since made two more appearances at first team level.
