Joe Greenwood returns to Wigan Warriors after Leeds Rhinos loan spell

The 27-year-old second-rower joined Leeds on a two-month deal towards the end of February. That agreement has now expired and he is back at his parent club without having played for Rhinos.

Greenwood had been due to make his debut away to Catalans Dragons in March, but Leeds decided not to travel after he showed symptoms of coronavirus, though he later tested negative. Rugby league was suspended due to the virus the following week.

Director of rugby Kevin Sinfield praised Greenwood’s attitude, but said - with players and staff having been furloughed and taken a pay cut - extending his loan was not the right thing to do.

“He has returned to Wigan,” Sinfield confirmed. “It is pretty much all to do with finance.

“The initial loan period is up, we would have loved to have kept him, but because of all the financial implications in play at the minute he has gone back to his parent club.”

Asked if Greenwood could return to Rhinos at some stage, Sinfield said: “We will have to see, it all depends on finances.

“Everybody is on [wage] cuts and I think to continue having somebody on loan when we aren’t playing and to actually carry on that agreement, which would bring further financial pressure on the club, I don’t think philosophically it is right.”

Sinfield added: “I don’t think we should be looking to recruit at this stage. I think to be fair to all our players and staff who at the minute are facing a bit of pain, it is not the right thing to do.”

Sinfield stressed Greenwood - who played for St Helens and Gold Coast Titans before joining Wigan in 2018 - made a positive impression during his time training with the club.

“He’s a good lad, he fitted in great,” he said. “It is just a real shame, he was all set to play in that Catalans game, but with us not travelling and Joe being poorly, that’s when it [coronavirus] all kicked off.

“But he had a fantastic attitude and it is a shame we didn’t get to see him play in Leeds colours.”