Leeds forward joins Batley as clubs announce new partnership

Batley have announced the signing of Tyler Dupree from Leeds on a one-month loan, as the clubs confirm a new partnership for 2020.

Dupree, 19, impressed in the Leeds academy during 2018 and has been awarded the number 32 shirt in the first team for 2020. He will join the Championship outfit on an initial one-month loan, and could make his debut this weekend against Swinton.

Batley and Leeds have also reached an agreement that will allow a number of players the opportunity to play in the new reserve competition alongside squad players from the Rhinos, and their dual-registration partners Featherstone.

Commenting on the announcement, Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “We have a long and successful partnership with Featherstone Rovers that has been to the benefit of our young players in recent years and allowed Rovers to maintain their challenge at the top of the Betfred Championship. Whilst that will continue, we are also able to now offer their players the chance to play in our reserves.

“Likewise, Sam Walters and Jack Broadbent greatly benefitted from a loan spell at Batley and this continues our relationship with them. Our young forward Tyler Dupree will join Batley on loan, initially for a month, and will be available for Craig Lingard this weekend for the Bulldogs clash with Swinton Lions.

“The challenge we all face is making sure that players not involved with the first team are able to get game time each week and this is a great solution to that issue and will ensure we have the strongest possible side to play in the Reserve competition.”

Players from Leeds Beckett University could also feature in the reserves team, who face Bradford Bulls this weekend at Stanningley.