Featherstone Rovers coach James Webster expecting big things from Leeds Rhinos’ Wellington Albert

LEEDS RHINOS prop Wellington Albert has been tipped to make a big impact for Featherstone Rovers after returning on a second loan deal.
Wellington Albert.Wellington Albert.
Wellington Albert.

Albert made 12 appearances for Rovers last season and played in their Betfred Championship Grand Final defeat at Toronto Wolfpack.

He initially joined Leeds in March, after leaving Widnes Vikings and played six times for Rhinos in 2019.

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The 26-year-old has been allocated Rhinos’ number 35 jersey for next year and returned to training with them, following international duty for Papua New Guinea, at the start of this week.

Featherstone Rovers coach James Webster.Featherstone Rovers coach James Webster.
Featherstone Rovers coach James Webster.

Albert, who played in the Kumuls’ Test win over Great Britain Lions in November, will join the Rovers first team squad on the January 3 in time for their opening pre-season fixture against York City Knights two days later.

New Rovers coach James Webster has also been working with Rhinos in pre-season and reckons Albert is a quality addition.

“I’m really happy about it,” Webster said of Albert’s Rovers return.

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“I thought he played exceptionally well in the Test against Great Britain and he played well at the back end of the year for Featherstone.

“He is big and strong and he’ll be good for us.”

Webster added: “I’ve watched him train a couple of times with Leeds and he looks pretty good. I’m looking for him to hit the ground running with Featherstone.”

The loan could keep Albert at Rovers throughout next season, but Rhinos have a recall option.

Featherstone football manager Steve Gill said: “We have been working closely with Leeds Rhinos with a view to bringing Wellington back to the club for the 2020 season and thankfully Leeds have allowed him to re-join us.”