Featherstone sign Leeds pair after reserve grade cancellation

Featherstone have signed Leeds youngsters Loui McConnell and Liam Whitton, following the news that reserve grade rugby league would not return in 2020.

Loose forward McConnell, 20, has been with the Rhinos since 2014 and started in his last season’s Academy Grand Final v Wigan.

He said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Rovers and I’m looking forward to what the future holds and I’m excited for the challenge of testing myself in the Championship. I really enjoyed my time here at the start of the year in pre-season.”

The pair played both for and against Featherstone in pre-season, though neither have made their first team debuts as yet.

Full-back Whitton, 19, said: “I’m so pleased to have signed for such a great club. I can’t wait to put on the Featherstone shirt and give my 100% for the club. Hopefully, I can be a part of a journey that takes Rovers up into the Super League.”