Esders extends Quins stay

Harlequins have extended the loan spell of Hull KR forward Ryan Esders.

The 22-year-old joined Harlequins from fellow Super League club Rovers in July for one month. The deal has now been extended until the end of the season.

Esders has scored two tries in five appearances for Harlequins and Harlequins head coach, Brian McDermott, said he is pleased he will be extending his stay: “Ryan Esders has fitted into the squad well and we’re very pleased he’ll be with us longer.”

Meanwhile, Harlequins will be without several key players for this weekend’s Super League fixture against Salford City Reds, which McDermott admits will test the depth of his squad.

Danny Ward is doubtful having picked up an injury in Saturday’s game against Bradford Bulls and will face a fitness test later this week.

Karl Temata (knee), Danny Orr (quad) and Chad Robinson (knee) have all been ruled out, whilst David Howell will miss the rest of the season due to a fractured eye socket in training last week.

This is the second considerable run of injuries to face the club in the latter half of the season. Harlequins have only just regained play makers Luke Dorn, Chad Randall and captain Rob Purdham from lengthy spells on the sidelines.

McDermott said: “Over the next few weeks because of injuries, we should be seeing a number of younger players coming through to play Super League, just as Lamont Bryan did last weekend when he put in a very positive performance.”