As well as Super League action, there was plenty going on in the lower leagues over the weekend too. A number of Super League youngsters played for their loan or dual-registration clubs over the weekend, gaining valuable experience.
Here we look at how the players did over the weekend.
Luis Johnson, Hull KR, on loan at Dewsbury Rams
Johnson is a player with plenty of first grade experience, having played in the Super League for Warrington Wolves and Hull KR. He picked up an injury at the start of this year and has made his playing return with Dewsbury Rams. Johnson started the game at second row as the Rams edged past Workington, thanks to a late drop goal.
Read more: Kenny Edwards drops clear hint about Castleford Tigers future beyond this year
Robson Stevens, Huddersfield Giants, on loan at Dewsbury Rams
The Rams’ other loan signing, Robson Stevens started the game from the bench, coming on midway through the first half. The Giants youngster was sent out to gain some valuable first team experience and did just that. Playing in a side who won the game in the dying embers will do any youngster the world of good.
Dan Brewin, Warrington Wolves, on loan at Workington
On the other end of the result were Workington, who had two loan players playing for them. Dan Brewin is the first, who started the game on the interchange bench. He played in the second half where Workington mounted a comeback, only for their hard work to come undone in the final minute of the game.
Will Tate, Hull KR, on loan at Workington
Will Tate was Town’s second loan player to feature, who played in the centres for the visitors. Tate linked up well with winger Alex Clegg, who crossed for Workington’s third try. However, this wouldn’t be enough for the Cumbrian side who fell short at the death.
Sam Eseh, Wakefield Trinity, on loan at Barrow Raiders
Wakefield Trinity youngster Sam Eseh started the game from the bench, as his side fell to a 40-18 defeat to Halifax Panthers. He came on midway through the first half, before having a similar stint in the second period. Eseh made a few eye-catching carries during the game.
Jack Croft, Wakefield Trinity, on loan at Barrow Raiders
The other Wakefield youngster involved was Jack Croft, who started the game in the centres. Croft struggled to have a significant impact on the game, mostly due to his side being on the back foot.
Eribe Doro, Warrington Wolves, on loan at Widnes
Widnes Vikings were on the end of a 38-10 beating by Batley Bulldogs at home. Warrington Wolves youngster Ebire Doro started the game from the bench and came on when his side were already 22 points behind. Doro didn’t manage to change his sides fortunes; he was replaced after picking up a knock in the second half.
Ramon Silva, Wigan Warriors, on loan at Widnes Vikings
Wigan Warriors youngster Ramon Silva also started on the bench for the Vikings. Much to the frustration of the Vikings faithful, Silva spent 60 minutes of the game sat on the bench. As Widnes fell to another defeat in the league, there must be a sense of frustration from players such as Silva, who are hoping to get more game time.
Levi Edwards, Leeds Rhinos, on loan at York City Knights
Leeds Rhinos’ youngster Levi Edwards was on the scoresheet as York City Knights beat Whitehaven 30-12. Edwards was on hand to score midway into the first half to give the home side the lead in the game. He started the game in the centres, remaining there for 80 minutes. There is no doubt the Rhinos staff will be happy with his performance.
Davy Litten, Hull FC, on loan at Whitehaven
Hull FC youngster Davy Litten started at fullback for Whitehaven, and he was also on the scoresheet. After Edwards put York into a 12-6 lead, Litten touched down to level the scores. This game was full of young talent and no doubt his performance was well received by the Whitehaven fans. Although he was on the losing side, Litten showed his quality.
Marcus Walker, Hull FC, on loan at Whitehaven
Fellow Hull FC youngster Marcus Walker started in the centres for Whitehaven. He too impressed for the Cumbrian side, despite them falling to a defeat. Walker played the full 80 minutes; no doubt Hull FC will be pleased with his exposure to the first team.
Matty Nicholson, Wigan Warriors, on loan at Newcastle Thunder
The first of three Wigan players on loan at Newcastle Thunder is Matty Nicholson. He started the game from the bench as they fell to a 34-20 defeat at Sheffield Eagles. Nicholson had a solid game but came up against a Sheffield side who were simply too strong for the Thunder.
Alex Sutton, Wigan Warriors, on loan at Newcastle Thunder
Alex Sutton is the second Warriors player who featured for the northeast side. As they launched a comeback, Sutton crossed over to score to reduce the deficit to ten points. However, the clock was against them, and the Eagles held out to take the two points.
Umyla Hanley, Wigan Warriors, on loan at Newcastle Thunder
Finally, Umyla Hanley started the game on the wing for Thunder. After a shaky start to the game, Hanley grew into it as his side pushed to get back into it. Wigan Warriors will be pleased with the amount of game time that their youngsters are getting while with Newcastle.
Tom Forber, Wigan Warriors, on loan at Oldham
Yet another youngster who Wigan have sent out to gain experience, Tom Forber was part of the Roughyeds side who beat newcomers Cornwall 48-22. He found himself on the scoresheet early in the second half as his side began to run away with the game. Forber put in an impressive performance, adding to Wigan’s successful loan contingent.
Logan Astley, Wigan Warriors, on loan at Oldham
And yet Wigan had more to smile about when Logan Astley crossed the line twice for the Roughyeds. Oldham were in cruise control which allowed young stars such as Astley to thrive. Playing alongside experienced players such as Martyn Ridyard will also do them the world of good.
Dane Woodrow, Wakefield Trinity, on loan at Oldham
The Roughyeds also found talent from the other side of the Pennines, as Dane Woodrow also started the game. He had a positive impact on the game, along with Oldham’s other loanees, an example of how the loan system benefits clubs as well as players.
Connor Carr, Huddersfield Giants, on loan at Oldham
The final loan player which Oldham fielded was Connor Carr from Huddersfield. He also started the game, meaning that almost a third of the starting line-up was made of loan players. Carr also thrived playing with the likes of Ridyard, again gaining valuable experience to take back to West Yorkshire.
Ben O’Keefe, Wigan Warriors, on loan at Rochdale Hornets
Wigan’s final youngster out on loan was Ben O’Keefe, who played in Rochdale Hornets’ win over London Skolars. O’Keefe started the game at second row and played for just under an hour in total.
Kieran Rush, Huddersfield Giants, on loan at Swinton Lions
The final Super League youngster to feature was Kieran Rush, who played in Swinton Lions’ 30-0 loss to Keighley Cougars. Not much can be said for the game itself, as any youngster would struggle to make an impact on such a heavy defeat.
Sam Walters, Leeds Rhinos, dual-reg to Bradford Bulls
The towering back-rower had an eventful game as he returned from an injury sustained in pre-season. He could have had a hat-trick in the first-half, coming close on three occasions in the first-half during the Bulls' loss.
