Toronto Wolfpack consider swoop for Leeds Rhinos skipper Stevie Ward

Leeds Rhinos captain Stevie Ward is a possible target for Betfred Super League rivals Toronto Wolfpack.
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Ward, 26, is out of contract in November and would be available on a free transfer after that if a deal is not agreed with Rhinos.

The Leeds-born back-rower made his Rhinos debut in 2012 and was a Grand Final winner that year and in 2017, all under current Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott.

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McDermott is a big admirer of Ward, whose career has been disrupted by wretched luck with injuries, particularly shoulder and knee damage.

Stevie Ward on the ball in Rhinos' season-opener against Hull. Picture by Tony JohnsonStevie Ward on the ball in Rhinos' season-opener against Hull. Picture by Tony Johnson
Stevie Ward on the ball in Rhinos' season-opener against Hull. Picture by Tony Johnson

He made only six appearances last year and has been on Rhinos’ casualty list, with a concussion/inner ear problem, since the round one loss to Hull in February.

Wolfpack are bottom of Super League, having lost all six games including a 66-12 drubbing at Leeds three months ago.

But they stunned Huddersfield Giants in the Coral Challenge Cup a week before the sport was suspended and have since strengthened their squad with the signing of another ex-Leeds captain, Kallum Watkins.

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Also in their squad are former Rhinos forwards Brad Singleton, who filled in as Leeds captain at times in 2018 and Anthony Mullally.

Stevie Ward tackles Hull's Jamie Shaul. Picture by Tony Johnson.Stevie Ward tackles Hull's Jamie Shaul. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Stevie Ward tackles Hull's Jamie Shaul. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Ward was appointed skipper in the off-season following Trent Merrin’s return to Australia.

Toronto, whose hooker Andy Ackers joined Salford Red Devils this week. are also understood to be keen on bringing ex-Leeds winger Ryan Hall back to Super League. He moved from Leeds to Sydney Roosters on a two-year contract at the end of 2018.

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Toronton Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Toronton Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Toronton Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
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