Leeds Rhinos duo make permanent move to Featherstone Rovers

Loui McConnell in pre-season action for Rhinos at Rovers last year. Picture by Steve Riding.

The pair were released from Rhinos' reserve squad after the competition was scrapped for this year and 2021 because of Covid-19.

Both played for Rovers against York City Knights in a pre-season game and for Leeds in a January warm-up match between the partner clubs, when Whitton scored two tries.

McConnell, 20, played for Methley Warriors and Oulton Vikings and was capped by England at Youth level.

He said: "I'm delighted to have signed for Rovers.

"I'm looking forward to what the future holds and I'm excited for the challenge of testing myself in the Championship.

"I really enjoyed my time here at the start of the year in pre-season."

Whitton, who turns 19 next Tuesday and is a product of the Siddal club in Halifax, added: "I'm so pleased to have signed for such a great club.

"I can’t wait to put on the Featherstone shirt and give my 100 per cent for the club.

"Hopefully, I can be a part of a journey that takes Rovers up into the Super League."

Rovers' Football Manager Steve Gill described the pair as "exciting youngsters".

He said: "Both players showed their quality when playing for and against us in pre-season.

"These are two youngsters who can certainly emulate the impact that Jimmy Beckett, Jack Render, and Jake Sweeting have had within the squad.

"Both are hungry to play at the highest level and will certainly add to our squad strength."

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