Leigh Leopards forward makes season-long loan switch

Leigh Leopards have announced the exit of one of their forwards with a loan switch for the remainder of the 2025 campaign confirmed.

The Leopards saw pre-season signing AJ Towse head out on loan for the remainder of the year earlier in the week with the former York Knights winger heading to Widnes Vikings.

That deal had a recall option written in and Leigh have done the same again with Nathan Wilde leaving the Leopards and making a season-long switch to join Featherstone Rovers.

It marks the second piece of recruitment that Featherstone have confirmed today with the Flat Cappers having also signed James Glover until the end of the 2027 season, following his release from Sheffield Eagles.

The ability to loan players out is a testament to the depth that Leigh have built in their squad with both Towse and Wilde performing well on their handful of appearances for the Leopards in 2025.

Leigh Leopards’ Nathan Wilde makes Featherstone Rovers switch

Wilde has made two appearances for Leigh so far this season but he’s now made the switch to the Championship to link up with Featherstone, who will be hoping for a resurgent second half of the season after a slow start.

Paul Cooke’s side currently sit ninth in the Championship but the additions of Glover and Wilde will be major boosts for the club, whilst Leigh see one of their underused middles gain valuable playing time.

Wilde made ten appearances with the Leopards in 2023 but has predominantly spent time away on loan, including this season where he has already represented Featherstone four times.

Speaking on the deal, Paul Cooke said: “We are delighted to welcome back Nathan to our club on loan from Leigh.

“We thank Neil Jukes, Derek Beaumont and Adrian Lam for allowing him back to our club.
Nathan has become one of our group, a very well respected player who gave us a real lift during his first spell with us.

“He adds competition to places in the middle unit and is a valuable addition to us.

“We’re looking forward to his impact on and off the field and we as staff feel he can improve whilst with us once again.”

Featherstone Rovers are pleased to confirm that Nathan Wilde has returned to Club on a loan deal until the end of the season! 🤝

Paul Cooke said: “We are delighted to welcome back Nathan to our club on loan from Leigh.
We thank Neil Jukes, Derek Beaumont and Adrian Lam for… pic.twitter.com/cbweJurB7w

— Featherstone Rovers (@FevRoversRLFC) May 23, 2025