Leeds Rhinos take Featherstone Rovers duo on loan deal

Brett Ferres, right, in action for Leeds Rhinos last year (SWPIX)

Championship outfit Featherstone - who will not play again in 2020 -are dual-registration partners and have strong links with the Super League club.

Ferres, 34, spent the last four seasons at Rhinos, winning the Grand Final in 2017 before joining Featherstone this term.

Former Batley Bulldogs forward Harrison, 24, is the son of former Great Britain prop Karl.

He has never played Super League but is now looking to make the most of an unexpected chance.

Featherstone head coach James Webster is also on Richard Agar’s coaching staff at Headingley.

Featherstone football manager Steve Gill said: “It is no surprise that Leeds have looked at both James and Brett; we have enjoyed the fruits of a great partnership with the Rhinos over the past few years and now it’s our turn to benefit them.

“Both players are really looking forward to the challenge and these moves speak volumes for the quality within the current Rovers squad.

“We wish both Brett and James the best, and I’m sure our supporters will be more than interested in watching them perform in the Super League, a division we are aiming to reach ourselves.”

Featherstone have not played since March due to the pandemic and the curtailment of the Championship season.

Ex-Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants and Bradford Bulls star Ferres said: “I wish we could be playing at Featherstone, but I am looking forward to going back into training again.

“It will be good to see all the boys who I played with over the past few years.

“It’s great to see that the dual registration partnership can work both ways and I hope we will be able to do both sides proud.”

Harrison added: “I’d like to thank everyone at the club for allowing me to move on loan and test myself in the Super League. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot whilst I’m there and the experience will put me in a much better place for next season with Featherstone.

“We have a good relationship with Leeds; they help us with players when we need them with dual registration, so I’m pleased that I have the opportunity to return the favour.”