Leeds Rhinos make surprise addition with signing of Wakefield Trinity forward

The 21-year-old goes straight into Rohan Smith's squad for Leeds' trip to Toulouse Olympique on Saturday.

Leeds are low on numbers in the middle with Matt Prior, Zane Tetevano, Tom Holroyd and Muizz Mustapha all suspended.

Aydin, who came through the youth ranks at Wakefield, made his Super League debut in 2020 and has featured seven times for Trinity this year.

He has also enjoyed loan spells with York City Knights and Sheffield Eagles in the Championship.

“The lads have been great in welcoming me into the Rhinos camp and I am looking forward to the challenge," said Aydin.

"Hopefully I can impress Rohan and get some minutes under my belt. There is an opportunity for me here and I will be doing everything I can to make the most of it.

"I have experience of joining teams on loan having gone to Sheffield and York in recent years so it doesn’t daunt me coming into a team and getting to know a new set of lads. Hopefully I can help the Rhinos as well.”

Leeds made their move after failing in their attempt to overturn Prior's two-game ban for a late hit in last week's win over Castleford Tigers.

Aydin is a player Smith rates, and circumstances have allowed the youngster to impress the Rhinos head coach in close quarters.

"We were on the lookout for reinforcements in our middle unit given the guys that are out suspended at the moment," said Smith.

"He's a good hard worker. He's really keen to get involved in a new environment and test himself even if it is only for a few weeks.

"I've seen Yusuf and liked what I saw. It came down to timing with four middle unit players out."