Derrell Olpherts is understood to have finalised his move to Leeds Rhinos. Rugby League Live understands an agreement has been reached which will see the Castleford Tigers winger move across West Yorkshire next year after signing a three-year contract at Headingley.
Rugby League Live revealed a month ago that Leeds were in advanced talks with Olpherts. Now, it's believed a deal has been finalised confirming Olpherts' move as part of Rohan Smith's growing recruitment drive for the 2023 season.
Olpherts, who has been a regular for the Tigers this season, has made more tackle busts than any other player in Super League this season, making 99 during the course of the campaign. He has scored 15 tries for good measure, which puts him joint fifth in the try-scoring standings, level with current Leeds Rhinos winger Ash Handley.
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He is set to become the club's third confirmed signing for 2023. The Rhinos have already confirmed the additions of James McDonnell and Justin Sangare from Wigan Warriors and Toulouse Olympique respectively. Leon Ruan, a teenage forward from Doncaster, and Batley Bulldogs fullback Luke Hooley are two other targets currently being considered by new head coach Rohan Smith.
It adds to the ongoing recruitment push at Leeds, with Smith making plenty of changes to his squad for next year. Brad Dwyer, Muizz Mustapha and Tom Briscoe are set to be among those that depart with Jack Broadbent and Alex Mellor already moving on.
As for Castleford, they are well stocked in the outside backs already. Greg Eden has signed a new deal, Bureta Faraimo is contracted and Jason Qareqare continues to show great progress. Sosaia Feki, Mahe Fonua and James Clare are other wing options though they are all currently off-contract.
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