In theory, Leeds Rhinos' capture of Yusuf Aydin doesn't stack up. He arrives from Wakefield Trinity, a club struggling at the bottom of the league and who you'd suspect need all the help they can get.
As for Leeds, Aydin isn't the block-busting, star-studded addition fans have been clamouring for. This is a player with ten appearances at Super League level.
That said, the 21-year-old's arrival does at least provide the Rhinos with some short-term support. They are grossly light on numbers this week and even more so in the pack, with the likes of Matt Prior, Zane Tetevano and Muizz Mustapha all unavailable.
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But perhaps the logic stacks up more when you put long-term thinking behind it. Aydin is off-contract at the end of the season and available for next season. Coach Rohan Smith has made it clear that he is overseeing a long-term project and that all decisions made will be with that in mind.
By bringing Aydin in now, it will give him the opportunity to take a closer look at a potential recruit all while not making a major commitment. It is, in many ways, a trial period, one that comes at a really convenient time with Leeds so short of bodies.
It's very much a no-lose scenario for both the club and the player. For what it's worth, Wakefield fans are far from impressed with the deal.
"Don't get this at all if he's good enough to go to Leeds on a loan deal why is he not playing for us," one fan tweeted. Another added: "Should be playing for Wakefield on Sunday why is he going out on loan to help another team out."
Though Wakefield could argue that helping Leeds out against their relegation rivals does them no harm. Perhaps there is some method in the madness!
Aydin will play on Saturday and it will be interesting to see how he fares. It could be the start of a long association if all goes to plan.
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