FEATHERSTONE ROVERS have parted ways with former Super League and NRL back Greg Eden, while confirming the signing of Jonny Openshaw after the 22-year-old former Rochdale hooker impressed coach James Ford in pre-season.
Ex-Castleford, Huddersfield, Hull KR and Brisbane Broncos player Eden, 34, started last season at Halifax before joining Featherstone in May and featuring 15 times.
The club said in a statement: “Greg Eden has agreed to be released from his contract. We would like to wish him well for the future and thank him for his time here.
Openshaw will provide competition for Rovers stalwart Connor Jones and Will Jubb, who has joined from York.
He came through the ranks at Folly Lane and while playing for another amateur club, Leigh Miners Rangers, represented England Community Lions at Under-20 level.
Openshaw was with Salford in 2022, when he played four times on loan at Oldham, then signed for Swinton, but was unable to break into the team.
In his season at Rochdale, he appeared 13 times, notching four tries.
Featherstone managing director Martin Vickers said: “Jonny has impressed with his ability and commitment while on trial during pre-season.”
Rovers are waiting to discover any repercussions from Connor Wynne’s red card against Goole.
The 24-year-old winger, who had a stand-out first season at Rovers after moving from Hull, was sent off 66 minutes into the pre-season meeting at the Millennium Stadium, which was won 46-6.
Wynne, who had scored two tries, walked after hitting out in a tackle from which he emerged with a finger injury, with his former Hull team-mate Jeylan Hodgson, now at Goole, put on report.
Having notched 21 tries in 26 games, Wynne signed a contract extension for 2025 in November, when Ford noting: “Connor finished the season as one of our best and most consistent performers. He brings everything you want from an outside back in spades.”
Featherstone fielded Heworth amateurs, fullback Max Rhodes and halfback Dan Clarke, as triallists against Goole.
