St Helens prop departs club

St Helens have confirmed that young prop Brett Bailey has headed to Whitehaven on an initial two-week loan deal.

Paul Wellens’ side have plenty of talent at prop including fellow youngster and rising star George Delaney meaning they’re able to loan out and develop their other young talents via loan deals.

Bailey’s switch to Whitehaven was confirmed by the club who released a statement announcing the signing.

It read: “Whitehaven Rugby League are delighted to announce the loan signing of Brett Bailey on an initial 2-week loan deal from Betfred Super League side St Helens.

“Bailey (20) is the current reserve player of the year for Saints and appeared for Saints in 2024 pre-season encounters against Salford and Swinton crossing for a try against the Lions.

Head coach Jonty Gorley added: “We’ve secured a young front row from St Helens called Brett Bailey, on a two-week loan deal, he won their reserve player of the year last season and featured in this year’s pre-season games with the first team.

“He comes highly recommended from Mike Rush who said he’ll do a job in the championship. Brett is 20 years old and is known for his strong running game.

“I’d just like to thank St Helens and Mike Rush in particular for coming to our aid. Ash Kilpatrick has again worked hard helping us get more strength in depth in regards to middle players.”

The 20-year-old will go straight into consideration for the Championship side’s game against Batley Bulldogs this weekend.

St Helens youngster the latest Super League talent to leave on loan

St Helens also confirmed Bailey’s loan move via their social media but the 20-year-old is just the latest in a string of loan moves from Super League sides down to the Championship and League One.

Last week saw a spate of moves including Leigh Leopards sending three talented youngsters to the Championship, one who headed to another Cumbrian side in Barrow Raiders.

Both Louis Brogan and Jacob Gannon headed to Swinton Lions whilst Kavan Rothwell made the move to Barrow Raiders.

Huddersfield Giants’ sent recently arrested forward Fenton Rogers to Bradford Bulls, whilst Bradford Bulls had brought in Huddersfield’s Connor Carr and Warrington’s Max Wood.

Wire did have to recall Max Wood though after being given special RFL dispensation to bring the youngster back within two-weeks due to a prop crisis at the club.