Sam Eseh makes Leeds Rhinos loan move with length of deal confirmed

He makes the move to gain further invaluable Super League experience and to help cover injuries at Headingley Stadium, with four more players having been ruled out due to concussion protocols.

Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Tom Holroyd and Sam Lisone have all been stood down, while Matty Russell has also been named for their Round 15 clash, on loan from Warrington Wolves.

Leeds boss Rohan Smith is also currently without Andy Ackers and James Bentley as they recover from concussion

Eseh, who turns 21 next week, came through the youth ranks at Wakefield Trinity before loan spells at Barrow Raiders and Featherstone Rovers, named the Championship young player of the year in 2022.

He joined Matt Peet’s reigning champions ahead of the 2024 campaign on an initial two-year deal, with the option of a third, but is yet to make his official debut for the Cherry and Whites.

The East Leeds junior suffered a hamstring injury during a pre-season reserves friendly against Huddersfield Giants, later marking his return for Wigan’s reserves against Castleford Tigers at Robin Park Arena.

The prop also previously spent time on loan at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, featuring from the bench for Craig Lingard’s side against St Helens earlier in May.

Commenting on the move, Wigan Warriors transition coach, John Duffy said: “This is another fantastic opportunity for Sam to get some invaluable minutes on the pitch.

“He will benefit from playing some back-to-back games that will stand him in good stead for the remainder of the season.”