Monday 9 February 2015 20:10, UK
St Helens have made a surprise swoop for Dewsbury prop Matthew Haggarty.
The reigning Super League champions have signed the former Whitehaven, Barrow and Oldham forward on a three-year contract but the 24-year-old has been loaned back to the Championship club ahead of Friday's opening game against Sheffield Eagles.
Saints chief executive Mike Rush said: "We're delighted to have agreed terms with Matthew. He is a forward of promise and we look forward to seeing him develop within our system.
I am excited by the opportunity of taking a contract with Saints but at the same time sad to be leaving Dewsbury.
"We are constantly looking for new talent throughout the rugby league pyramid and Derek Traynor, head coach of our 19s, recommended we took a look at Matthew.
"We like what we see and we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Rams. They have been very professional in our dealings.
"Matthew will train for us during the week and play with Dewsbury, where we will monitor his progress."
'Opportunity'
Haggarty, a former junior at Leigh Miners, says he has been inspired by the success of Alex Walmsley (St Helens) and Chris Hill (Warrington) in successfully making the step up to Super League from the Championship.
He said: "I am excited by the opportunity of taking a contract with Saints but at the same time sad to be leaving Dewsbury although I will be staying with them for the rest of the season.
"I'd like to thank Mark Sawyer for giving me the chance and coach Glenn Morrison for the hard work he has put into me over the last two seasons to get me in a position were a club from Super League shows interest."
Dewsbury chairman Sawyer said: "In recent weeks, three Super League clubs have shown an interest in Matthew.
"I would like to thank St Helens for the professional manner in which they have dealt with the transfer, but also in the compensation package they offered to the Rams.
"This includes Matthew being loaned at Saints at no cost to us for the rest of the season along with a friendly game at Langtree Park prior to 2016 with all proceeds to the Rams. These, along with the other elements, made it a very acceptable agreement.
"It is important young players have the chance to step up to Super League should the chance arise. I will be sad to see Matthew go but I for one will watch his progress with great interest."
