Leeds Rhinos have held talks with Castleford Tigers winger Derrell Olpherts over a move to the club. Rugby League Live understands a deal to bring the speedster to Headingley is being worked on ahead of the 2023 season.
It's thought that a deal is close and while there has been interest elsewhere, a link-up with the Rhinos is his most likely move with talks said to be at an advanced stage. Olpherts is off-contract at the Tigers at the end of the season and looks set to leave the club.
The Rhinos, who are understood to have also signed French international prop Justin Sangare, have seen young outside back Jack Broadbent make the move to Castleford Tigers. Tom Briscoe is also off-contract and has been offered to both full-time and part-time clubs in the past few weeks, suggesting his future at Leeds could also be coming to an end.
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That would free up space in the backs. Though Bodene Thompson's potential departure could open up a quota spot, Leeds are thought to be keen on using that in different areas should it become available.
When asked about his future last week, Olpherts told Rugby League Live: “I’ve still not signed. I’m happy to stay but, if I don’t, I’m happy to leave.
"Whatever happens will happen. It’s out of my hands. All I can control is what I do on the field in a game so I’ll just turn up and play and see what happens in the next couple of weeks.
“All I look to do is play as well as I can week in week out and make sure I get a starting spot as our team is full of wingers and they’re all outstanding.”
The 30-year-old, who earned his stripes in the lower leagues with Dewsbury Rams, Hemel Stags and Newcastle Thunder, is currently in his fifth season as a Super League player. He was initially offered an opportunity by Salford Red Devils, where he spent two seasons before linking up with the Tigers in 2020. He has scored 27 tries in 54 appearances for Cas, an average of one try every other game.
The Rhinos are currently navigating their way through salary cap issues. They are understood to be close to maxing out their spend and any arrivals are likely to come counteracted by a departure.
Interestingly, Olpherts could play against the Rhinos at Magic Weekend this Saturday. The two clubs will battle it out at St James' Park with the Rhinos looking to chase down Cas, who currently occupy a coveted play-off spot.
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