Leeds Rhinos fullback Luke Hooley is set for a return to Batley Bulldogs. Rugby League Live understands Hooley is set to return to his former club on an initial short-term loan as he continues to find full match fitness.
Hooley suffered an ankle injury in the off-season and while he has successfully returned to the field in recent weeks for the Rhinos' reserves and first-team, he is set to continue his progress back at Mount Pleasant.
Coach Rohan Smith confirmed last month that the club was considering a loan move to the Championship for Hooley, having rejected an enquiry from Wakefield Trinity. But Richie Myler's late withdrawal last week saw Hooley feature in the Rhinos' loss to Hull KR.
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It was a tough debut for Hooley, who was on the wrong end of Jordan Abdull's aerial bombardment during the 20-12 defeat. However, Myler is now in contention to play this Sunday against Huddersfield Giants and with that, the Rhinos are now in a position to push that loan move through.
He is likely to feature for Craig Lingard's side this weekend when they take on Featherstone Rovers in the Championship. Hooley, 24, emerged as one of the Championship's top young talents at Batley having previously been in the Wakefield and Bradford academy systems.
After a controversial swap deal that has got people talking, the latest House of League episode welcomes Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity CEOs Paul Lakin and Michael Carter, who give their take on the Corey Hall/Will Dagger trade, plus lots more. You can listen to the full show below or alternatively subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music.
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