Leeds Rhinos academy product set for Hunslet RLFC debut on loan from Hull FC
A former Leeds Rhinos academy player is poised to make his Hunslet RLFC debut this weekend as the Championship club look overseas to strengthen their squad.
Forward Joe Phillips has joined the Parksiders on loan, alongside Hull FC clubmate Will Kirby who had a similar spell last season. Phillips came through Rhinos’ youth system and represented Yorkshire and England at academy level before signing for Goole Vikings ahead of their debut 2025 campaign.
He joined Hull last autumn and is in Hunslet’s squad for the Betfred Championship fixture at Keighley Cougars tomorrow (Saturday). Hunslet are without their Doncaster loan players and Mason Corbett and Emmerson Whittel both left the club this week.
Coach Kyle Trout said: “Names are always coming up and we are always looking for quality. The French season is at an end now and with Kevin Larroyer here that may help us attract attention. Unfortunately a lot of Super League clubs have injuries and end up calling players back, but we are in for players and hope to sign some soon.”
Hunslet ARLFC hooker is in contention to feature as a trialist on Saturday, but Eli Simpson is ruled out because of concussion. Though the south Leeds side are on the back of a 44-0 drubbing at Oldham last week, Trout said there has been a “good reaction” in training and he is confident they can pick up their second win of the campaign.
“We know Matty Beharrell controls their team, but if we stick to our plan and play at
our tempo, we are physically better,” he said. “It’ll be a tough battle, but we
have the firepower.”