Leeds Rhinos re-sign Brett Ferres and bring in James Harrison on loan from Featherstone Rovers

Fellow forward James Harrison is also joining Leeds in the wake of a spate of injuries in Rhinos’ pack.

Ferres, 34, joined Rhinos from Huddersfield Giants in 2016 and made 86 appearances - including the 2017 Grand Final win over Castleford Tigers - before joining their partner club Rovers at the end of last season.

Leeds-born Harrison is son of former Great Britain prop and Batley Bulldogs coach Karl Harrison.

The 24-year-old back-rower began his first team career at Batley and moved to Rovers ahead of the 2019 campaign.

With the Betfred Championship having been abandoned, Rovers do not have another competitive fixture this year.

Their coach James Webster is also an assistant to Leeds boss Richard Agar.

Ferres said: “I wish we could be playing at Featherstone, but I am looking forward to going back into training again.

"It will be good to see all the boys who I played with over the past few years.

“It’s great to see that the dual registration partnership can work both ways and I hope we will be able to do both sides proud.”

Harrison added: “I’d like to thank everyone at the club for allowing me to move on loan and test myself in the Super League.

"I’m sure I’ll learn a lot while I’m there and the experience will put me in a much better place for next season with Featherstone.

“We have a good relationship with Leeds; they help us with players when we need them with dual registration so I’m pleased I have the opportunity to return the favour.”

Rovers football manager Steve Gill said: “It is no surprise Leeds have looked at both James and Brett.

“We have enjoyed the fruits of a great partnership with the Rhinos over the past few years and now it’s our turn to benefit them.

“Both players are really looking forward to the challenge and these moves speak volumes for the quality within the current Rovers squad.

“We wish both Brett and James the best and I’m sure our supporters will be more than interested in watching them perform in the Super League, a division we are aiming to reach ourselves.”

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Laura Collins