As well as the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, there was action in the Championship, League 1 and 1985 Cup this weekend. Several Super League players featured on loan and dual-registration, with their parent clubs keen on getting game time for those players on the fringes of the first team.
Here, Rugby League Live takes a look at who played and how they fared.
Chester Butler, Bradford Bulls on loan from Huddersfield Giants
Butler is on a season-long loan from Huddersfield after a nightmare couple of years with injury. He started in the second row as the Bulls were beaten 23-22 by Barrow in the Championship after a late Jarrod Sammut drop goal. The 26-year-old did get on the scoresheet, however, opening the scoring on 13 minutes with a determined charge from 20 metres out.
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Muizz Mustapha, Bradford Bulls on dual-registration with Leeds Rhinos
Fresh from his first Super League appearance of the season in Leeds’ defeat to St Helens last week, the aggressive forward was back in action for Bradford on Sunday. He came off the bench and, despite the defeat, produced a trademark workhorse performance with several powerful hit ups.
Jack Croft, Barrow Raiders on loan from Wakefield Trinity
The highly-rated centre took another big step towards his Super League return, starting at centre after joining the Raiders on a two-week loan. Croft has starred for Trinity’s reserve side this year as he continues to get back to full fitness after missing most of last season with an ACL injury.
George Roby, Whitehaven on loan from Huddersfield Giants
The youngster started at hooker as Whitehaven were knocked out of the 1895 Cup with a 40-6 loss at Sheffield Eagles. The Cumbrian side ended the game with just 11 players, as injuries continue to blight their campaign but Roby was one of the last men standing and came in for praise from head coach Jonty Gorley. He recently signed a contract extension with his parent club, keeping him at the Giants until the end of 2023.
Jack Bibby, Whitehaven on loan from Wigan Warriors
Started at prop for ‘Haven in the same game and did big minutes after joining on a two-week loan from Wigan. Like Roby, he also impressed Jonty Gorley, with the head coach saying: “He defended well and carries well. He’s a typical Wigan product, he’s got the skillset to do the job as a middle.”
Kieran Hudson, Whitehaven on loan from Castleford Tigers
A recent signing for the Tigers, Hudson started on the bench for Whitehaven. The young forward is tipped for a big future by those in the know at Castleford.
Adam Jones, Cornwall on loan from Wigan Warriors
Several Wigan academy stars were sent out on loan to League One this week, with two heading down south to Cornwall. It was a landmark day for the League One newcomers, as they played their first-ever home game in front of a 1,473 crowd. Despite a 60-14 defeat, stand-off Jones delivered a Man of the Match performance, dictating his side’s attack and scoring a try on the back of some excellent support play.
Toby Brannan, Cornwall on loan from Wigan Warriors
Prop Brannan came off the bench for Cornwall and didn’t look out of place in a forward pack that included former Super League winner Anthony Mullally.
Logan Astley, Oldham on loan from Wigan Warriors
Oldham ran in 15 tries to beat West Wales Raiders 100-4. Two of those came from outside back Astley, who proved just as prolific as he has done for the Warriors’ reserves and academy sides.
Tom Forber, Oldham on loan from Wigan Warriors
Forber started at hooker and while he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, he was involved in the build-up to several tries throughout the afternoon.
Ben O’Keeffe, Rochdale Hornets on loan from Wigan Warriors
Centre O’Keeffe scored two tries as Rochdale came from behind to beat Hunslet 44-20. Both were close range efforts but he also made several line breaks, including one to set up a try for Lewis Sheridan.
