Leeds trio including James Donaldson head to Championship on dual-registration

Leeds Rhinos forward James Donaldson has been named in Bradford’s 21-man squad for their Monday night Championship clash with Halifax. 

The 31-year-old forward has made four Super League appearances so far in 2023.

He is joined alongside Leeds team-mates Luis Roberts and Sam Walters in Mark Dunning’s Bradford squad for their televised Easter Monday clash at The Shay Stadium. 

Welsh international Roberts, 21, has also made four appearances for the Headingley Stadium side so far in his first year with the club.

He featured from the bench most recently during the side’s 20-12 defeat to Hull KR, scoring a try.

Meanwhile forward Walters, 22, has featured three times for the Rhinos under Rohan Smith in 2023. His last appearance came against Catalans during Round Six.

Bradford duo Kieran Gill and Bodene Thompson could return following their respective absences, having been named in Dunning’s squad.

Jack Bibby could make his Bradford debut following his loan move from Huddersfield.

The forward has yet to make a first team appearance for the Giants since joining the club in the off-season on a three-year deal from Wigan.

The 21-year-old has impressed in the Giants reserves and now joins his Huddersfield team-mates Fenton Rogers and George Roby on loan at the Bulls.

Rob Butler, who also recently made the short-term loan move from Wakefield, has not been named to take on Simon Grix’s Halifax Panthers.

The prop has made four appearances this season in Super League for the struggling Super League outfit.

Bradford currently sit sixth in the Championship table with four wins from seven.

Their opponents in Halifax hold the same record, but sit one place above on points difference.

The two sides will meet on Monday, live on Viaplay Sports, with a 7:45pm kick-off.