Featherstone winger Luke Briscoe joins Leeds on loan

Featherstone winger Luke Briscoe has joined Leeds on loan until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old, who played 10 games for the Rhinos between 2014 and 2016, will be drafted into the squad for Wednesday’s game against Catalans Dragons, replacing the injured Jordan Lilley, who has failed a late fitness test.

He will return to Rovers at the end of the season and will be available to the Championship club during the season on dual-registration.

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “Firstly we would like to thank Featherstone, who we have an excellent relationship with and I am really pleased Luke has the opportunity to play again for the Rhinos in such an important Super League fixture.

“This is a good example of how a young player can go from playing in Super League to the Championship and continue his development and potential, Luke’s try scoring exploits in the Championship this season have been exceptional.”

A Featherstone spokesperson said: “We are proud to boast a hugely-successful and fruitful partnership with Leeds Rhinos, which has benefitted our club a great deal over the past three years.

“The Rhinos have been there for us in the club’s hour of need, on several occasions.

“And Leeds have come to us for support during a difficult period of their own, as injuries continue to hamper their progress.

“We are happy to assist the Leeds club by allowing Luke to join the Rhinos on a relatively short-term basis.”

Briscoe has caught the eye in the Championship this season, equalling the all-time rugby league record for tries in 17 consecutive games set by former Leeds winger Eric Harris.