Sunday 23 November 2014 16:21, UK
Leeds Rhinos have announced Alex Foster, Mason Tonks, Jordan Baldwinson and Thomas Minns will all spend the 2015 season on loan with Featherstone Rovers.
The quartet have all agreed new deals with the Rhinos for 2016, but next season will have year-long loans with the Kingstone Press Championship club.
Foster and Minns spent last season with London Broncos whilst Tonks and Baldwinson have returned to the club having spent last season at New Zealand Warriors and then Bradford Bulls.
Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington told the club’s official website: “For next season we will have a first team squad of 25 and a partnership with Hunslet Hawks who will have access to those players through dual registration.
At the end of the day, the most important factor is the personal development of each player and we at Leeds Rhinos want to see all our young players playing in the best competition and going on to enjoy a career in the professional game.
"We also have a group of outstanding young players which includes Jordan Baldwinson, Mason Tonks, Alex Foster and Thomas Minns who all aspire to be in the Rhinos first team squad in 2016. These lads will be a big asset to Featherstone in what will be a tough and competitive Championship next season.
"At the end of the day, the most important factor is the personal development of each player and we at Leeds Rhinos want to see all our young players playing in the best competition and going on to enjoy a career in the professional game.”
Featherstone Rovers head coach Andy Hay: “I would like to thank Leeds and in particular Gary Hetherington for allowing these players to join Featherstone Rovers.
“I am looking forward to working with this outstanding, young and talented quartet of players and hopefully playing a big part in their development next season.
"Having spoken to all four of the boys, they are fully committed to everything we will be doing next year and are prepared to give their all in a Rovers shirt, in what will be a tough Championship competition.
"Mark Campbell and I have been working very hard behind the scenes to build a competitive squad for 2015 and with the addition of such quality players we feel that Featherstone will be pushing for the top once again.”
