Featherstone swap Verlinden for Snitch

Featherstone Rovers have confirmed that Steve Snitch has joined them on loan from Doncaster until the end of the current season.

Ryan Verlinden has moved in the opposite direction, joining the Dons on loan until the current campaign ends.

“I’m really excited that Steve has joined us for the remainder of the season and he’ll be a great addition to the squad,” said Rovers coach Jon Sharp.

“I worked with Steve for three years at Huddersfield Giants and signed him from originally from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. I’ve watched him develop as a player and he was on my radar as soon as I agreed to joined Featherstone.

“He brings versatility to the squad and plenty of experience and because we’ve worked together previously, he knows the systems I like to utilise so he will fit in well and quickly.

“He’s a very good professional, good trainer and it is great to work with him again.”

Snitch is looking forward to working alongside Sharp again too.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Jon again at Featherstone,” he said.

“He signed me as a 22-year-old and took me under his wing in the early part of my career as to be honest I was quite raw and had a lot to learn.

“I’m joining a very competitive squad so it’s up to me to train hard and try to get in the team first and foremost.

“I obviously know Paul Cooke well and grew up with him as a kid so that will help me settle in quickly. Rovers still have a lot to play for and I’m really looking forward to being part of that.”

Doncaster coach Gary Thornton is pleased to have added Verlinden to his ranks.

“Ryan was really keen to come to Doncaster and play in the first team,” he said.

“He has struggled for game time at Featherstone and he will add some real size in the pack, which will be crucial for us in our relegation battle and also as we look to plan for the future.

“I am delighted we have been able to bring in a player of Ryan’s quality, I really believe he can have a real impact for us in our run in.

“Brett Waller, Matt Groat and Russ Spiers have all picked up injuries and it leaves us really light in the middle area and we need to fix that for Sunday’s clash with Leigh Centurions.

“We have some real talent in the squad in the second-row, Brad Foster has been chomping at the bit in recent weeks and Jack Walton will also be returning following an impressive loan spell at Oxford.

“Ben Musolino has also come in on loan and been fantastic for us and whilst we are naturally disappointed to see Steve leave, it is important to look to future and we have players in that position who are young and hungry and I believe can make the step up and have an impact for us.

“I’d like to thank Steve for his effort and I wish him the best of luck in the future.”