Baldwinson rejoins Leeds
Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that England Academy international Jordan Baldwinson has rejoined the club, siging a two-year contract.
The 21-year-old, who could make his second Rhinos debut against New Zealand next Friday at Headingley, played his first Super League game for Leeds in 2013.
He joined the New Zealand Warriors for a short spell, before heading to Bradford on loan in 2014, and then Featherstone in 2015.
At Fev, he was named Championship Young Player of the Year, as he helped Rovers to win the Championship Shield.
“I am really pleased to be back at Leeds and I am really looking forward to coming back in for pre-season training,” he said.
“Hopefully, if I work hard enough, I can impress Brian and get into his 25-man squad for next season but I know how tough the competition is at the Rhinos for those shirts.
“Dropping out of Super League last season really spurred me on and I am so grateful to Featherstone Rovers for giving me the opportunity to get regular game time in 2015.
“I was humbled to win the Championship Young Player of the Year and I owe a real debt of thanks to Rovers and their fans for making me feel so at home at the Big Fellas Stadium.
“I know I am still along way from achieving what I want to achieve but I have taken a lot of confidence from this season.
“It was a huge experience for me to go to New Zealand and play for the Warriors and I think I am a better player and person for that experience.
“I know I need to keep working hard. Going to Featherstone was a big challenge for me because I have only just turned 21.
“However, I feel as a prop I am now reading the game better and know the standards that are expected of me.
“It would be great to be involved against the Kiwis especially as there are a few lads in their squad who I know from my time in the Warriors U20s.
They are a hugely talented squad and rightfully now are the number one team in the world. It would be brilliant to be able to play in the game, especially in front of the Leeds fans and would round off the season for me personally brilliantly.”
Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott is pleased to welcome the forward back to the club.
“We are looking forward to having Jordan back in our fold,” he said.
“He took the opportunity to go to Featherstone last season and prove himself in the Championship and he certainly did that.
“We have got a lot of competition in our front row next season with Adam Cuthbertson and Brad Singleton establishing themselves this season, Keith Galloway, Anthony Mullalley and Jordan coming in and Jamie Jones-Buchanan having a leadership role in the middle of the field.
“Jordan will be begin training with us next week and he will be in contention for the New Zealand game.”