Wigan Warriors are the latest Super League side to send one of their young stars out on loan with hooker Tom Forber joining Barrow Raiders on a two-week deal.
Forber’s move to the Championship follows a flurry of other loan moves from Super League sides to the second division with Leigh Leopards sending three of their young guns to the competition.
Bradford Bulls also brought in Huddersfield Giants back Connor Carr and Warrington Wolves prop Max Wood, whilst earlier today it was confirmed that Leeds Rhinos forward Leon Ruan had returned to his former club Doncaster RLFC on a month-long deal.
Forber isn’t even the first Wigan Warriors player to make a loan move this week after Harvey Makin made the switch to fellow Super League side London Broncos.
News of Forber’s loan deal was confirmed by both Wigan Warriors and Barrow Raiders with the Super League champions releasing a statement via their website.
It read: “Tom Forber will this week join Barrow Raiders on loan.
“The initial 2-week deal will see the hooker link up with the Cumbrian outfit in a bid to gain some valuable minutes on the field.
“The 20-year-old was one of seven players to make his Super League debut for the Warriors at Craven Park in 2022 and has made a further two appearances so far in 2023.
“The Rylands junior has already spent time on loan at Oldham, Wakefield and Widnes.”
Wigan Warriors use loan market to earn hooker “valuable playing time”
Credit: Imago Images
Wigan Warriors have such incredible depth that they are able to use the loan system to their advantage and that has enabled them to give Forber game time against men in the Championship as opposed to within their reserve set-up.
Both Brad O’Neill and Kruise Leeming are ahead of the 20-year-old in the pecking order at Wigan currently meaning it makes perfect sense for Forber to head to Barrow.
That’s something that transition Coach John Duffy attested to as he said: “This is another opportunity for Tom to gain some valuable time on the field at a good level.
“Tom has continued to impress us with his attitude and application so far this year and we look forward to seeing Tom play and continue his development.”
Forber will potentially be available for Barrow’s game this weekend when they face Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven on Good Friday.
