A quartet of Super League youngsters have secured League 1 loans until the end of the season, as the road to the play-offs heats up.
Wakefield Trinity centre Harry Ratcliffe will join Rochdale Hornets alongside Warrington Wolves trio Isaac Reid, Charlie McKler and James Duffy.
Reid and McKler will both feature in the front row, with Duffy primarily playing as an outside back but also covering in the halves.
Whilst none of the Super League quartet have made their debuts for their respective parent clubs, all four of them are ready to step up to the senior level in League 1.
They are all Rochdale-born too, in a boost for the Hornets, coming through the Rochdale Mayfield youth system.
Head coach of the League 1 side, Gary Thornton, said: “We’ve brought these young lads in to bolster our troops over the coming weeks.
“They have all come from really good academy systems and are ready for the next steps in their careers.
“They are also highly rated by their respective Super League clubs and will bring enthusiasm and energy to our group.”
Super League additions to League 1 club ahead of play-offs push improves squad quality, says chairman
The League 1 side currently sits mid-table, and chairman Andy Mazey is hoping that adding some young players to their current squad can only boost their chances of making the top four and advancing to the Super 8s.
He said: “It’s now the business end of the year, with some big games coming thick and fast.
“We are also approaching the transfer deadline, and with our current injury situation also in mind, we have acted decisively to refresh the squad and to provide Gary with some quality options.
“What is even more pleasing about these deals is they are all Rochdale-based lads from Super League club environments, and are therefore bringing a strong desire to represent their hometown club.”
