Leigh Leopards have allowed one of their youngsters to head on loan to the Championship.
Oliver Polec will join Cumbrian side Whitehaven, and will look to develop and find game time in the second tier.
The 19-year-old is yet to make an appearance under Adrian Lam after signing for last year’s semi-finalists this off-season from St Helens.
He featured for Salford RLFC in their opening round defeat to Oldham, but barring that he has no other experience at senior level, something he will be hoping to change at his new club.
Polec is a prop forward and has representative experience after playing for Lancashire in the Academy Origin series last season.
The length of the loan move is currently unclear, with Whitehaven saying via X, formerly Twitter, it is a season-long loan, whilst Leigh have confirmed he will head to the north-west on a week-to-week basis.
Commenting on his arrival, Haven’s interim boss, James Newton, said: “Ollie comes with great recommendation from all the coaching staff at Leigh.
“Having gained a full time contract this year, he has been a top performer at academy level and will really strengthen us in that middle area.
“Having spoken with Ollie this week he is really excited about coming to Whitehaven and sees a really good opportunity to test himself at championship level. I would like to personally welcome Ollie to the club.”
Polec will go straight into selection contention for the club’s game against North Wales Crusaders this weekend.
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